Recent pronouncements from certain groups identifying as 'northern' have touched upon governance and the economy. These statements seem to suggest an ownership of national concerns, a stance that appears overly self-assured.
The author posits that political figures often seek relevance by joining or creating forums when existing ones do not suit their ambitions.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has drawn criticism for its alarm over the placement of a gold refinery in Lagos. The group urged northern leaders to oppose this, arguing that processing facilities should be located where raw materials are sourced, which they deem evidence of economic neglect for the region.
This argument is met with accusations of hypocrisy. The author points to the established practice of oil pipelines connecting the Niger Delta to refineries in the North, noting that the South-South region did not impede this. Furthermore, it's highlighted that many key positions in the oil sector have historically been held by individuals from the North.
The piece contends that those speaking for 'Northerners' often represent only a narrow segment of that vast geographical area, questioning if they truly speak for the Middle Belt or other ethno-religious groups. This is described as a political maneuver that deceives no one.
Adding to the criticism, the article points out that the Lagos gold refinery is a private venture by Kian Smith, not a federal government project as NEF's statement implied.
It questions whether the government should mandate private companies on where to establish operations and if any investor would accept directives outside of a feasibility study.
The author links this perceived entitlement mentality to Nigeria's struggles with its oil refineries, suggesting it's why state-owned refineries have been inefficient for over a decade. The sentiment that 'everyone's property is no one's' is cited as a reason for this.
If the government were to build its own mineral refinery, the article suggests it would suffer from mismanagement by politically appointed individuals focused on personal gain rather than regional development.
Regarding marginalization, NEF spokesperson Professor Abubakar Jiddere is quoted saying that Northern Nigeria has long been reduced to a source of raw materials, labor, and produce, with processing and industrial infrastructure concentrated elsewhere. This, he argues, creates inequality, erodes trust, and fosters perceptions of economic neglect.
The author challenges this narrative by asking who developed industrial estates in Lagos. It is noted that the Action Group government under Obafemi Awolowo in the First Republic established industrial zones in the Southwest, including areas now part of Lagos State. The Western Region's proactive development of industrial estates is mentioned, as is the establishment of industries in Kaduna by Northern Premier Ahmadu Bello, which subsequent leaders reportedly failed to manage effectively.
The suggestion of a deliberate plan to keep the North as a raw material supplier is dismissed as ignorant. The warning from a Zamfara figure about not 'touching our gold' is also addressed, noting that gold deposits also exist in areas like Ilesha and Ile-Ife.
The piece also references a comparison made by NEF between bandits and Niger Delta militants, calling such comparisons inappropriate.
Despite these criticisms, the author expresses sympathy for the common people in the North, acknowledging their significant hardships. While poverty exists nationwide, it is stated that poverty in the North is particularly severe and long-standing.
The solution proposed is for northern governors, local government chairmen, and elites to prioritize free education and compulsory skill acquisition. The issue of Almajiranci, leaving children vulnerable, is linked to increased crime and terrorism.
The author observes a lack of accountability from political leaders regarding the welfare of Almajiris and questions the effectiveness of numerous northern forums in addressing this issue.
The path to prosperity for the North and indeed all of Nigeria lies in comprehensive youth development programs. Nigeria's youth demographic is highlighted, with a large percentage of the population being under 14.
Nigeria is identified by UNESCO as having one of the highest numbers of out- of-school children globally, with a significant portion residing in Northern Nigeria. The article stresses the urgent need for public advocacy for good governance at the sub-national level and resource mobilization to educate these children.
It is suggested that Northern Nigerian political elites should focus on their children's future alongside their pursuit of federal resources.
A brief congratulatory note is extended to veteran journalist and broadcaster Chris Ngwu on his 80th birthday.
Wole Olaoye is a Public Relations consultant and veteran journalist. He can be reached via email at [email protected] , on Twitter: @wole_olaoye; and Instagram: woleola2021.
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