BY SAM OTUONYE
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has decried the low level of industrialisation and technological development in the region, stating that the Northern Nigeria is not landlocked but land-linked, with significant potentials to be an industrial hub.
The group which made the revelation at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, to announce their upcoming Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit on September 29 and 30, maintained that the region is rather a gateway to other African Countries with immense opportunities for development.
According to the Group’s Spokesman, Prof. Abubakar Jika Njiddire: “Northern Nigeria is not landlocked; it is land-linked—a strategic gateway to Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Benin, Mali, and the Central African Republic. Its 160 million people—more than the population of many nations—represent not a burden but an opportunity.”
He added: “This summit is not just another conference. It is the unveiling of a fresh vision. It is an economic call to action, an appeal to conscience, and a strategic plan to unlock the promise of Northern Nigeria, to build bridges of investment, and to shape a future worthy of our people.
“This summit is not political. It is focused on the economy, on opportunities, and on creating prosperity. It is about highlighting the strengths of Northern Nigeria and presenting a vision of growth, innovation, and partnership.”
Prof. Njiddire stated that the region has identified the pillars upon which the agenda would be berthed, even as he lamented the insecurity situation that has ravaged their land and hampered productivity and industrial growth.
He said: “We have identified five key pillars and three supporting enablers as the foundation for Northern Nigeria’s renewal:
Land & Agriculture: Vast arable lands across 19 states, capable of feeding Africa.
Solid Minerals: 44 identified resources in over 500 locations, waiting to be harnessed.
Human Resources: A dynamic, youthful population—skilled and unskilled—ready to contribute.
Infrastructure: Roads, railways, airports, dams, and energy potential seeking integration.
Industry: Emerging and existing enterprises with the capacity to grow into regional hubs.
And the enablers: education, healthcare, housing, and technology—the foundation on which all sustainable progress rests.”
Delving into history, NEF recalled how economic rosy the region was in the 1960s, 70s, and early 80s, when it used to flourish in agriculture, industry, and trade, making reference to the groundnut pyramids, cotton, hides, livestock, and solid minerals.
NEF wondered how a region that produced world-class leaders and innovative giants such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the world’s richest black man, and Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, was yet to showcase its full economic potential.
The Summit was in collaboration with the nineteen (19) States of Northern Nigeria and the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC).
Other notable elders present at the event were: AM. Al-amin Daggash (rtd.), NEF Chairman, Management Board, Prof. D.D.D Sheni, NEF Director General, Prof. Steve Ughah, Director, Economic Planning, among others.