Northern Nigeria Must Progress From Discussions to Action, ACF Urged

In a time when Northern Nigeria is grappling with severe issues such as insecurity, poverty, and hopelessness, the leadership must move beyond conferences that lead to no tangible outcomes.

During the 25th anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in 2025, there was considerable optimism across Northern Nigeria. The celebration was not solely a nod to the past, but was accompanied by the introduction of a development fund reportedly exceeding N10 billion, supported by significant contributions from prominent industrialists such as AbdulSamad Isiaka Rabiu from BUA Group and Aliko Dangote. This felt like a pivotal moment for many in the North, marking a shift towards actionable solutions.

However, months later, that initial enthusiasm has waned. Instead of promptly engaging its extensive base or rolling out programs to raise awareness and initiate impactful projects, the ACF seemed to return to familiar patterns. They hosted another discussion forum, this one reviewing leadership six decades after figures like Sir Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa, and Samuel Akintola. While reflecting on history has its merits, many felt that the immediate need for actionable results outweighed the need for reminiscence.

The urgency for enhanced action is clear. Communities across the North are under siege from persistent insecurity. Farmers abandon their crops, traders are gripped by fear while countless children remain out of school. Entire local economies are suffocated by violence, displacement, and poverty.

In this daunting scenario, many residents of Northern Nigeria expected the ACF to leverage its development fund as a means to provide immediate assistance and implement strategic initiatives.

Contrarily, there has been a conspicuous silence regarding how the public can anticipate the funds being used, what sectors will be prioritized, or how the community will be informed about these endeavors. There has been no substantial outreach or visible projects to showcase a new direction for the region, which feels costly and disconcerting to those already suffering.

This discontent is only intensified when observing advancements in other parts of Nigeria. In the South West, regional cooperation has transcended mere statements to proactive infrastructure development, economic partnerships, technology initiatives, and coordinated policy making. States collaborate, pooling resources and pursuing long-term economic competitiveness. Meanwhile, in the South South, well-structured engagement approaches and developmental frameworks have increasingly defined how grassroots initiatives are executed. Even some areas in the North Central region are gradually establishing innovation hubs and specialized economic programs to better equip young individuals for a future in the digital economy.

In contrast, the North faces significant challenges not due to a lack of ideas, but due to their ineffective execution.

Adding to their woes, the North no longer possesses the political luxuries it once enjoyed. A demographic advantage that lacks corresponding human capital has now turned into a liability. Electoral strength cannot overnight make up for low productivity, insufficient negotiation abilities, and a waning moral compass. Regions that invest in actionable ideas, data-driven strategies, and effective delivery increasingly determine national results, while those relying solely on historical sentiment and scale find themselves increasingly marginalized. The ACF must confront an uncomfortable reality: In Nigeria's current landscape, relevance is earned through tangible outcomes, not mere historical recollections.

It is not as though resources are lacking. The North is endowed with land, a vibrant populace, rich history, and influence. Its sons and daughters in various sectors are capable and present goodwill. What seems to be missing is a clear, time-sensitive development agenda that can channel these concerns into a cohesive action plan.

The ACF holds a distinct role in this dynamic. It isn't a governmental body, yet it isn't simply a social gathering either. It has the ear of policymakers, traditional institutions, and private sector leaders both domestically and internationally. Its influence matters, and the respect for its gathering power is substantial. With such influence comes significant responsibility.

As a result, stakeholders are posing essential, yet straightforward questions. What is the vision for Northern development looking towards 2030? In what ways will the development fund function alongside federal and state endeavors? Which sectors are deemed critical—education, agriculture, health, youth engagement, security, or infrastructure? How will communities be involved, and how will the success of these initiatives be measured?

These inquiries aren't unreasonable; they echo the sentiments of a populace under duress.

The risk of endless reflections lies in the potential disconnect between leadership and the stark realities faced by everyday individuals. While leadership discussions continue to dwell on the decline of authoritative figures, ordinary Northerners wrestle daily with hunger, fear, and vanishing opportunities.

During this deliberative time, youths are seeking dignity and opportunities elsewhere, leaving the region behind.

This critical juncture necessitates both humility and boldness. The Forum ought to be attentive, especially to voices it has historically overlooked. Young professionals, members of civil society, women leaders, development specialists, and technocrats across the North are already engaged in meaningful efforts in isolation. Mobilizing this energy enhances traditional leadership rather than undermining it. The ACF doesn't need to forsake its elders or heritage. Instead, it must broaden its base, modernize its approaches, and recognize that the North it aims to lead today bears little resemblance to the North of 1965 or even 2000.

To be unequivocal, reflection and dialogue have a place. The legacies of leaders like Sardauna deserve thoughtful examination. However, legacy gains meaning when it leads to action. The most fitting tribute to past leaders lies not in the form of another symposium but in actionable programs that uplift communities.

At this moment, what is essential are visible actions. Initiatives that yield small but significant results, outreach efforts that demystify objectives and timelines, strategic partnerships that create jobs and skills, and clear communication that assures all parties involved that development funds will not simply accumulate while the region continues to endure hardship.

The pathway to 2030 is short. Development does not materialize solely through discussions. It requires systematic planning, execution, and accountability. The North cannot afford to lag behind while other regions advance with clarity and intent.

The ACF still has a pivotal opportunity to redefine its relevance. It can transition from a body known for rhetoric to one recognized as a key player in regional revitalization. However, this chance will not be available indefinitely.

For millions residing in Northern Nigeria, the verdict is unequivocal: This is not the moment for more discussions; it is a time for decisive action.