Northern governors declared the recent “End Bad Governance” protests as a stark reminder for leadership across the northern states to address the root causes of youth restiveness. Speaking on behalf of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, highlighted issues such as poverty, illiteracy, and lack of economic opportunities as key factors fueling discontent among the youth.
“Our young people are calling out for change, and it is our responsibility to listen and act,” Yahaya stated during the opening ceremony of a high-level meeting in Kaduna. The event brought together political leaders, traditional rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, the Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and other military officials to discuss solutions to challenges affecting the region.
Yahaya emphasized that, given the economic disparity between the northern and southern regions, targeted intervention is critical. “The economic hardship faced by many Nigerians today is undeniable. For the North, this calls for urgent intervention,” he said, urging for increased investment in education, skills training, and job creation to provide productive channels for young people.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the Northern leaders also collectively rejected the proposed Tax Reform Bill presented to the National Assembly. The communiqué, read by Yahaya, expressed concern that the reform would disproportionately impact the North, as the proposed derivation-based VAT model would favor states hosting company headquarters over those generating VAT through service consumption.
### Addressing Security and Infrastructure Needs
The governors commended recent efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies in combatting crime, particularly the successes achieved against banditry and terrorism. They praised General C.J. Musa’s innovative approach to enhancing national security but stressed the need to address remaining challenges in the region to ensure lasting peace.
The Forum also called on the Federal Government to urgently address the persistent electricity blackouts in northern states, attributing the issue to vandalism of transmission infrastructure. The governors recommended expanding the national transmission network and diversifying energy sources to improve the region’s energy resilience.
### Agricultural Development and Climate Change Resilience
Acknowledging the North’s agricultural potential, the governors expressed commitment to supporting farmers through improved financing, infrastructure, and modern techniques. They highlighted agriculture as a driver of industrialization, particularly in reviving the textile and agro-allied industries.
In response to recent floods impacting the region, the Forum resolved to work with federal authorities to build infrastructure for water management and irrigation. “Climate change has greatly affected our environment,” the communiqué noted, “and measures must be taken to protect rural livelihoods and food security.”
### Support for Education and Livestock Reform Initiatives
The leaders pledged to tackle the growing number of out-of-school children and improve educational outcomes in the North. Additionally, they committed to supporting federal reforms in the livestock sector, with plans to engage closely with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.
The governors concluded by urging Northern representatives in the National Assembly to oppose any tax reforms that they believe would undermine the region’s economic interests.
