Comprehensive Strategies Needed to Tackle Northeast Nigeria’s Security and Development Challenges
The Northeast Governors Forum has emphasized that overcoming the region’s persistent security threats and developmental setbacks requires a holistic and multifaceted strategy. This was highlighted during the Forum’s 12th rotational meeting held in Taraba State.
Key Pillars for Stability: Education, Healthcare, Security, and Infrastructure
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State identified critical sectors that must be prioritized to restore peace and foster growth. These include enhancing educational opportunities, strengthening healthcare systems, reforming security frameworks, and investing in vital infrastructure projects. According to Zulum, these elements are indispensable for sustainable stability in the Northeast.
Addressing Root Causes: Beyond Military Solutions
While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing counter-insurgency efforts, the governors collectively stressed that military action alone cannot resolve the underlying issues. They pointed to persistent youth unemployment, deteriorating road networks, inadequate vocational and technical training programs, and insufficient poverty alleviation measures as fundamental drivers of insecurity.
“Our approach must extend beyond kinetic operations,” Zulum remarked. “We need to focus on creating job opportunities through expanded technical education, upgrading transport infrastructure, revitalizing agricultural activities, and broadening social welfare initiatives.”
Encouraging Investment and Enterprise Growth
The Forum urged the Federal Government to foster an enabling environment that attracts both domestic and international investors. Supporting the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was highlighted as a key strategy to stimulate economic development and reduce poverty in the region.
Additionally, Zulum called for the development of proactive mitigation plans aligned with data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the National Hydrological Services Agency to better prepare for environmental challenges.
Urgent Infrastructure Rehabilitation: The Namai Bridge Case
Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas appealed to the Northeast Development Commission to accelerate the reconstruction of the Namai bridge, which tragically collapsed in August 2024, resulting in fatalities and disrupting vital transport links. This incident underscores the urgent need to address infrastructural decay that hampers regional connectivity and economic activities.
Commitment to Overcoming Humanitarian and Developmental Deficits
The governors acknowledged the ongoing humanitarian crises and infrastructural shortcomings that continue to afflict the Northeast. They reaffirmed their unified dedication to advancing comprehensive development initiatives aimed at improving living conditions and fostering long-term peace.
Source: Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria
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