Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has attributed the persistent insecurity in Northern Nigeria to deep-seated poverty and economic exclusion, warning that sustained unrest will continue without comprehensive solutions.
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Sunday Politics,” Sani, a former activist during the military era, emphasized his administration’s data-driven approach to addressing poverty and underdevelopment, drawing from his experience as a former Senate Committee on Banking chairman.
He revealed alarming poverty statistics upon assuming office in 2023, with 60-65% of the Northern population, particularly in the North-West, being financially excluded.
This exclusion, he argued, makes young people susceptible to recruitment by armed groups, highlighting the economic roots of the region’s insecurity.
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Sani also pointed to the high number of out-of-school children, stating that 70% of Nigeria’s 18.2 million out-of-school children are from the North.
He acknowledged ongoing efforts to improve this situation but cautioned that resolving the region’s challenges will require a long-term commitment and realistic expectations, citing years of policy neglect.
He urged Northern leaders to unite in addressing poverty and unemployment, emphasizing that a purely military approach or palliatives will not solve the problem.
He stressed the need to bridge the economic gap between urban and rural populations and address infrastructural, educational, and healthcare deficits.
Sani reported a significant reduction in farmer-herder and religious crises in Kaduna State over the past two years, but stressed that public trust in the government hinges on justice and fairness.
He acknowledged that while challenges remain, progress is being made.
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