The Northern Governors Forum has stated that the economic hardship currently faced by Nigerians is more pronounced in the northern region than in the southern region due to disparities in economic inequality.
The forum also expressed concern over the darkness currently experienced in the northern region, emphasising the urgent need to build additional transmission lines and diversify energy supply to address the issue.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, the Chairman of the forum, disclosed this on Monday during a meeting with traditional rulers in the region in Kaduna.
The governor noted that the “End Bad Governance” protests that took place in August served as a wake-up call for all northern leaders.
According to him, youth restiveness is a growing concern, driven by illiteracy, poverty, and a lack of economic opportunities.
He explained that it was essential for leaders to adopt measures to alleviate suffering, such as targeted social welfare programmes, support for small and medium enterprises, and policies that attract investment to their states.
READ MORE: Gunmen Kidnap FRSC Official in Enugu, Demand N50 Million Ransom
“Our young people are calling for change, and it is our responsibility to listen and act. We must scale up efforts to tackle the root causes of youth restiveness by investing in education, skills development, and job creation. Let us focus on creating pathways for the youth to channel their energy into productive ventures, thereby reducing their vulnerability to crime and social vices.
“The economic hardship faced by many Nigerians today is undeniable, and considering the North-South disparity in economic inequality, it is even more pronounced in northern Nigeria. This calls for urgent intervention,” he said.
The chairman further said, “As we speak today, most of our northern states are in darkness due to the vandalisation of electricity transmission infrastructure.
“Northern Nigeria holds immense agricultural potential, which, if fully harnessed, can significantly alleviate hunger and boost economic growth,” he said.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said NGF and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council would work towards addressing the security and developmental challenges confronting the North.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
