Nigerian Leaders, Northern States/Leaders In Particular On Situation Of The Country, by Mohammed Rabiu Bako

It is with great concern that I present this paper to you on the situation facing Nigeria and particularly, the Northern states. I do not intend to take much of your time but I must explain and state that our region is gradually failing. Looking at the happenings from recent past ranging from insecurity, poverty, unemployment, almajiri occupation and so on, no one needs to affirm to us on the problems that we are faced with. Also, the collapse of economic institutions in Northern Nigeria such as New Nigeria, Bank of the North, Textile mills, the food processing companies, NNDC and so much more to mention but a few have further exposed the economic decay. Also, the collapse of the roads linking major cities and capitals of the region, particularly the abandoned road reconstruction from Kaduna to Abuja, known as the gateway to the north is a shame on the part of our political office holders, National Assembly members and the Tinubu administration.

There is absolutely no way to fight this level of insecurity anywhere in the world if there’s hunger and poverty to contend with. Northern States Governors must begin to start concentrating on rebuilding our failed industries so as to create jobs for the millions of unemployed youths. The fact is the North is now only known as a consumer as we failed to produce. It may interest to know that even bread is baked from other regions and transported down to us for our consumption. Interestingly, even the cows that is majorly being reared in the north has now become a very big deal and reared in the East –this suggests that in the near future, we may not be able to sell to other parts of the country. How did we get to this point?  So many factors (decades long) may have led to the contemporary issues in the North, however, the problem of insecurity, poverty, and unemployment in the region remains a complex task that requires comprehensive research and data collection. Nevertheless, some key indicators such as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) can be examined to gain a better understanding of the situation over time. One thing is certain, the issues are very much connected and multifaceted because the notion that unemployment and underdevelopment has played a crucial role to the rise of poverty in the region –and moving forward, the fact that poverty contributes to the rise of banditry and kidnappings cannot be overstated.

1. Unemployment:

With a soaring rate of youth unemployment and underemployment, Northern states generally have recorded high rates of unemployment largely due to the negative impact of insecurity that has affected the region in the last decade. As the main food basket of the country, most of the areas affected by insecurity are largely farmers.

2. Poverty:

a) Income levels: Studying poverty rates and income distribution helps identify the extent of poverty in the region. 65% of the poor (86 million people) live in the North, while 35% (nearly 47 million) live in the South. Poverty levels across States vary significantly, with the incidence of multidimensional poverty ranging from a low of 27% in Ondo to a high of 91% in Sokoto.

b) Basic needs indicators: The access to essential services like education, healthcare and clean water can indicate the level of poverty. According to a 2023 statistics from the United Nations Children’s fund, there are 10.2 million and 8.1 million out of school children at the primary and junior secondary school respectively, making Nigeria home to the highest number of children out of school in the world. More so, healthcare delivery is also taking a decline due to poor funding and rising insecurity.

3. Insecurity:

a) Incidents of violence: The number of terrorist attacks, communal clashes, and other forms of criminal activities can be measured to assess the level of insecurity. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project; activities by bandit gangs increased by 731% between 2018 and 2022. Since 2018, the number of attacks has been steadily escalating, surging from 124 incidents in 2018 to 1,031 incidents in 2022.

b) Casualty figures: Analyzing the number of deaths, injuries, and displacements caused by insecurity provides insights into its impact. The ACLED estimate reveals a staggering 13,485 deaths attributed to banditry between 2010 and May 19, 2023. And actual numbers may be higher.

c) Economic consequences: The rise of bandits and their easy access to illicit weapons have destabilized the region. Armed bandit attacks impoverish farmers; hamper agricultural activities and trades in rural communities. Their violent activities and the continued expansion of conflict zones represent a major risk to the socio-economic outlook in the region.

Considering all that is mentioned and stated, it is established that the Northern Governors are saddled with the responsibility of governance in the region and particularly their respective states. It is necessary at least to hold them responsible to a certain extent in delivering essential governance. It is no news that after the removal of subsidies, every State Government in Nigeria has been getting more money than usual. These funds consist of Federal Allocations (FAAC) that has doubled. For instance, with a focus on North West, the percentage increase in federal allocations after fuel subsidy for Kaduna State is a 39% increase making up 7.30bn Naira; Kano State (35%) to make up 10.690bn Naira; Katsina State (45%) to make up 7.610bn Naira; Kebbi State (43%) to make up 6.900bn Naira; Jigawa State (30%) to make up 7.948bn Naira; Sokoto State (50%) to make up 6.629bn Naira and Zamfara State (48%) to 5.928bn Naira.

With regards to security vote funds, these are allowances that are allocated to the 36 states for the sole purpose of funding security services. These funds as we know are allocated monthly and run into billions when summed up annually. These funding have not been largely accepted by citizens as most have claimed that such funds are being under-utilized or not utilized at all by the state governors because how the funds is disbursed is not accountable to any agency. For example, according to Wikipedia 2024, Kaduna State Government receives 400Million Naira on security votes every month which totals the sum of 4.8b Naira annually –whereas Zamfara State receives 600million Naira monthly to sum up 7.2b Naira annually. It is established that these funds vary based on the level of security required by the individual State. Not forgetting the Ecological funds which are a crucial part of Nigeria’s Federal revenue allocation, specifically designed to address various environmental challenges nationwide, including erosion, desertification, flooding, oil spills and drought. It is in record that with the primary aim of assisting the state and local governments, a rate of two percent has always been distributed across the 36 States with the highest share of an annual 2.1 billion going to Kano State. Others are Borno state with 1.68bn, Kaduna State 1.4bn and Sokoto State with 1.4bn as well.

Over time, the Nigerian Government had consistently approved billions of bailout funds to cushion the fiscal pressures of distressed states, sometimes for the entire 36 states. Other numerous funding from international corporations and agencies continue to find its way to state governments –this is without mentioning the internal revenue generated from these states. So the question must be asked Mr. Chairman, with all the billions flowing into the Northern States for security and development thus far, there’s need to understand why insecurity and poverty continues to persist. More so, with the billions coming in as ecological funds, have they been able to prevent disasters and flooding that continues to ravage the environment year in year out with the most recent in Maiduguri, Borno State? Clearly, millions of out of school children are roaming the streets in major cities of the North because of high rate of poverty, absence of industries to create jobs and low orientation. Indeed, now is the time for some reflections with regards the delivery of governance in our region.

CONCLUSION:

Indeed you have been doing very well, and speaking extensively on the need to address the issues as stated, as well as pointing into some of the outlined solutions –but there is still more to be done if we need our land and people to survive the test of time. There is the need to work in collaboration and to join hands with all stakeholders to rebuild the north on the vision of the late Sardauna and others who worked hard to put this great land together. While considering the calls for a constitutional review for the Nigerian state, it is also important to note that the amendments can play a role in addressing the challenges being faced. A holistic approach involving political will, effective governance, and collaboration between government and civil society which is crucial for sustainable development is overdue. Whether it succeeds or not, there is urgent need to start having the people of the North to be part of the conversation. We all have to come together, get involved and work towards saving our region from all the numerous challenges being faced.

There is this importance of engaging our Northern elders and leaders such as former Presidents Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalam Abubakar, Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo which cannot be overstated. Others include Gen. T.Y Danjuma, Gen. Aliyu Gusau, Vice President Shettima, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Tanko Yakasai, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, H.E Attahiru Bafarawa, H.E Sule Lamido, Governors and other respected stakeholders. This is to come together and face our problems fiercely for growth and progress of the region with all hands on deck. All these listed Elders and more of great intellect, character and capacity cannot be alive and Northern Nigeria is crumbling to the ground.

Lastly, the issue of impunity and corruption by political leaders continues to fuel dissatisfaction amongst our people, and particularly the younger generation. With all the humongous resources coming in from the Federal Government since the removal of fuel subsidies, it is expected that State Governors organize themselves to provide solutions to the problems of the people. Here, where poverty and unemployment is highest, which in turn results to contemporary security and economic crises, one would think that Governors would begin to think alternatively to solve the unemployment problems by building or reviving our non-functional industries for job creation. As General Abdulsalami recently stated,

“The Economic hardship in Nigeria is getting out of control”, so therefore the need for drastic measures. Not to forget General T.Y Danjuma who also charged the armed forces to end banditry with no excuses whatsoever. It is in view of all that I call for a northern conference consisting of all stakeholders such as religious leaders, traditional rulers, elder statesmen, the business community, political office holder etc., so as to have a round table and forge a way forward irrespective of religion, tribe or political affiliations as we iron out the problems facing our region and people.

God Bless the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF).

God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed:

Alhaji. Mohammed Rabiu Bako,

Elderstateman and Senior Citizen, Kaduna State.