NGF urge patience amid economic hardship, pledge support for stability, growth
By Kunle Sanni
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NGF), led by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has appealed to Nigerians to remain patient amid the nation’s economic hardship, assuring that both state and federal governments are implementing measures to alleviate the burden.
The appeal came following a meeting in Kaduna with the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, chaired by regional Emirs and Chiefs, and attended by military officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa.
“Regarding the economic hardship affecting the country, the Forum appeals to all citizens to remain calm, as the state and federal governments are working hard to implement measures to ease the burden,” a communiqué from the meeting stated.
The forum expressed sympathy for victims of recent floods and other crises in the region and pledged continued collaboration with the Federal Government to provide relief. They highlighted that addressing issues such as insecurity, infrastructure, and economic challenges would require patience and collective effort.
The communiqué acknowledged that climate change has severely impacted the region, resulting in recent floods. To address this, the forum resolved to partner with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to develop irrigation infrastructure, such as canals and waterways, to divert excess water for irrigation activities, thereby enhancing rural livelihoods and safeguarding food security.
The governors commended recent successes by security forces against banditry and terrorism, with particular praise for General Musa’s strategic approach, but emphasized the need for sustained action. They also called for greater involvement of traditional leaders in fostering security and peace within communities.
Recognizing economic difficulties, the governors stressed efforts to tackle youth unemployment through education, skills development, and job creation. They also reiterated Northern Nigeria’s agricultural potential, underscoring the need to invest in modern farming techniques, infrastructure, and agro-industrialization, including the revival of the textile industry.
The communiqué also raised concerns over the recent nationwide power blackout affecting the North, attributed to vandalism of transmission infrastructure, and urged the Federal Government to improve energy resilience in the region.
In addition, the forum voiced opposition to a proposed Tax Reform Bill that would amend VAT distribution to a derivation-based model, arguing it could disadvantage northern states and other regions that generate VAT revenue outside their headquarters. The governors pledged to protect the North’s interests and urged lawmakers to reject provisions that might hinder equitable development.
In light of ongoing economic hardship, Governor Yahaya urged citizens to stay calm, reaffirming the forum’s commitment to equitable policy implementation and national development.
