The true challenge facing Northern Nigeria is not Tinubu, banditry, insurgency, or even political marginalization. It lies in the failure of the region’s political, business, and religious elites to address crucial 21st-century issues. This neglect allows a storm of misfortune to ravage the region, overshadowing any potential for rejuvenation....READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
Instead of focusing on meaningful development, the region’s leaders are preoccupied with securing more political opportunities for themselves, while the real issues go unaddressed. Despite claims that the North will become a problem if certain actions are not taken, the region continues to suffer daily, producing a growing number of destitute individuals and aspiring criminals driven by hunger.
The criminal networks involved in kidnapping for ransom are a small fraction of the overall problem. The larger issue is widespread poverty and hunger, not a criminal enterprise. The elite’s persistent ignorance of these realities perpetuates a cycle of decline.
This failure to adapt was highlighted in a 2020 article, which cited Ahmed Joda’s observation that Northern Nigeria was failing to develop its human capital and would be ill-equipped for future challenges. This sentiment echoed past concerns about the region’s governance and development strategies.
Four years ago, the article discussed how the North’s elite were more focused on maintaining their power rather than addressing the region’s dire conditions. Despite the wealth generated from resources and taxes, poverty and underdevelopment persist.
The article’s conclusion emphasized that the North’s wealth and resources have not translated into improved living conditions, and the same issues persist today. The decline of once-thriving industries and the neglect of essential services continue to exacerbate the region’s challenges.
