Northern Youths Claim Nigeria Is Failing Amidst Economic Hardship
Youth leaders from the Coalition of Northern Groups have voiced their concerns over the severe challenges facing northern Nigeria, citing the recent naira devaluation, rising inflation, removal of petroleum subsidies, increased electricity tariffs, and ongoing insecurity as key issues affecting their lives.
During a community engagement event in Katsina, Jamilu Charanchi, the coalition’s president, stated, “Nigeria is no longer functioning. People are struggling to afford even a single meal, let alone three meals a day. Insecurity is rampant in the northern region.”
Charanchi emphasized the urgency for community involvement, highlighting the inadequacy of both formal and informal institutions in addressing these crises. “We cannot afford to simply complain; we must take action. Our leaders seem unwilling to confront these pressing issues, which is why we need to step in and contribute to the region’s development.”
Despite northern Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and resource potential, the region remains one of the least developed in the country, plagued by problems such as drug abuse, youth unrest, poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and insecurity. Charanchi noted that these factors have hindered socio-economic progress compared to other regions.
The Coalition has initiated various interventions, including a two-day roundtable on insecurity held in Abuja in January 2024. However, the rise in banditry and other security issues indicates that more comprehensive efforts are needed from all stakeholders.
Charanchi remarked, “The recent economic changes, including the naira’s devaluation and subsidy removal, have further worsened living conditions. Millions have lost their livelihoods, leading to increased poverty and unrest, as seen in recent protests against hunger and hardship.”
He called for a shift from government-led solutions to community-driven initiatives that can more effectively address the root causes of these problems. “The leadership crisis in northern Nigeria has resulted in widespread poverty and high numbers of out-of-school children, contributing to the current state of insecurity.”
The engagement aimed to assess the socio-cultural and economic challenges in the region, focusing on rising moral issues among the youth and the need for greater community participation in local governance.
Bala Zango, representing the Katsina State Governor, shared that the administration has initiated several programs to improve socio-economic conditions. Governor Dikko Radda has implemented scholarships for underprivileged students, established a ministry for internal security, and formed over 1,500 Community Watch Corps to tackle insecurity effectively.
Additionally, Zango mentioned that the state has invested over N30 billion in agriculture and hired 7,000 teachers to enhance educational resources.
