After years of seeming inactivity and lack of direction on ways to end youth restiveness and general insecurity in Northern Nigeria, a joint meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council in Kaduna has resolved to develop a roadmap to tackle these problems. Our correspondent in Kaduna reports that the Northern leaders believe investing in education, skills development, job creation, and agriculture may be the best solution.

After receiving briefs from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other speakers, the Northern leaders agreed that creating pathways for youth to channel their energy into productive ventures may reduce their vulnerability to crime and other social vices.

A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting indicated that the Forum received detailed briefings on the real security challenges in the North and the efforts made by the military to address these issues. Following extensive deliberations, they agreed on the need for collaborations.

According to the communiqué, the meeting emphasized that Northern Nigeria holds immense agricultural potential, which, when fully harnessed, could significantly address root issues such as hunger, unemployment, lack of education, and negative social orientation.

The meeting further agreed that one sure way to reduce insecurity is through rapid re-industrialization of the North, focusing on reviving the textile value chain and developing other agro-allied industries.

It also resolved to provide adequate support to farmers in the region, including access to financing, modern farming techniques, and infrastructure such as roads and irrigation systems.

“Agriculture should not only be seen as a means to feed our people but also as a catalyst for industrialization and job creation across the region,” the communiqué stated.

On insecurity, the Northern leaders acknowledged recent gains against criminals, including the elimination of bandits and terror leaders, and resolved to sustain these achievements to ensure lasting peace and stability in the sub-region. They commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their commitment to ensuring community safety and took particular note of the efforts of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher J. Musa, praising his professionalism and innovative approach, which they said has strengthened the country’s security architecture.

“Nevertheless, more needs to be done to address pockets of challenges that persist in the Northern Region,” they added.

The leaders emphasized that traditional institutions are critical to achieving lasting peace and security in the region as they act as a bridge between the government and the people. They called for increased roles for Traditional Institutions to enhance cooperation with security agencies in combating kidnapping for ransom, banditry, cattle rustling, communal clashes, and other vices.

They sympathized with the victims of recent flood disasters in Maiduguri and other Northern states, as well as the families affected by the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State. The meeting noted that the situation underscores the need to reduce illiteracy, joblessness, and disregard for lawful cautions.

The governors and emirs also commiserated with other victims of terrorism, banditry, and similar criminal activities in the North and across Nigeria, expressing solidarity with them during these difficult times.

“We agreed to continue working with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide the necessary support and relief to those affected,” they affirmed.

They commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the reform initiatives in the livestock sector and pledged the necessary political will and commitment to ensure the success of the Federal Government’s livestock development initiatives. They also pledged continued engagement and idea-sharing with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee for better results.

Acknowledging the impact of climate change, which has contributed to recent floods in many parts of the North, the Northern Governors and emirs resolved to partner with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to build irrigation infrastructure like canals and waterways to divert excess water toward irrigation activities, thus enhancing rural livelihoods and safeguarding food security.

They also agreed to support and join any initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of out-of-school children and improving educational outcomes in the sub-region, as declared in the communiqué.

However, the leaders expressed dismay over the recent Tax Reform Bill forwarded to the National Assembly, which they deemed skewed. They took exception to its contents, arguing that it is against the interests of the North and other sub-nationals, particularly the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) based on a derivation-based model.

They argued that companies remit VAT based on the location of their headquarters and tax offices, rather than where the services and goods are consumed, and therefore unanimously “reject the proposed tax amendments” and urged members of the National Assembly to oppose any bill that could jeopardize the well-being of the region.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Northern Governors’ Forum and the emirs are not opposed to any policies or programs that will foster the growth and development of the country.”