OPINION An agenda for northern governors

As the incoming governors of the Northern Nigerian states took the oath of office yesterday, the burden of expectation lies heavy on their shoulders. The people of the region look to their leaders with anticipation, hoping for a new era of progress and development. It is a time that calls for visionary leadership, pragmatic decision-making, and a steadfast commitment to the welfare and prosperity of the people.

In charting a course for progress, the incoming governors must address key priorities that have long hindered the region’s growth. By tackling these challenges headon, they have the opportunity to reshape the narrative and unlock the immense potential of their states.

First and foremost, the incoming governors must address the issue of security. Northern Nigeria has been plagued by persistent violence and insurgency, causing untold suffering and hindering economic growth. It is imperative that the governors collaborate closely with security agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the people.

They must invest in intelligence gathering, equip and train security personnel, and implement strategies that foster community engagement and trust-building. By restoring peace and stability, the governors will create an environment conducive to investment, job creation and overall development.

Education stands as another crucial priority for the governors. Despite some progress, illiteracy rates remain alarmingly high in Northern Nigeria. This disparity severely limits opportunities for economic growth and social mobility. The governors must prioritise educational reform, focusing on improving access, quality, and relevance. They should allocate resources to build and refurbish schools, provide adequate teacher training, and enhance curriculum to meet the demands of the 21st century.

Additionally, initiatives such as scholarship programmes and adult education can help bridge the education gap and empower individuals with knowledge and skills.

The agricultural sector holds tremendous potential for the region and the incoming governors must harness this opportunity to drive economic growth and alleviate poverty. By investing in modern agricultural practices, infrastructure development, and access to credit for farmers, they can enhance productivity and increase the income of rural communities.

Diversification into value-added agricultural products and agribusiness will create job opportunities and reduce the region’s heavy reliance on oil revenue. Embracing technology and innovation in agriculture, such as precision farming and irrigation systems, can further optimize yields and ensure food security.

Infrastructure development is a critical aspect that cannot be overlooked. These states suffer from inadequate road networks, limited access to electricity, and a lack of potable water supply. These deficiencies hamper commerce, restrict mobility and undermine the quality of life for residents. The incoming governors must prioritize the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and railways to improve connectivity within and beyond the region.

They should also explore renewable energy sources and invest in power generation and distribution to address the chronic power shortages. Access to clean water should be a fundamental right, and the governors must invest in water infrastructure projects to provide safe and reliable water supply to all communities.

Healthcare is another area that demands urgent attention. The states continue to grapple with inadequate healthcare facilities, high infant and maternal mortality rates, and the prevalence of preventable diseases.

The governors must prioritise healthcare reform, allocating resources to improve healthcare infrastructure, equip medical facilities, and enhance access to quality healthcare services. A comprehensive approach that includes investments in primary healthcare, immunization programmes, and the training and retention of healthcare professionals is necessary to ensure the well-being of the people.

In addition to these priorities, they must also address social issues such as gender inequality, youth unemployment, and religious and ethnic tensions. It is imperative that they promote inclusivity and create an enabling environment where every individual can thrive and contribute to the development of the region. By engaging with civil society organizations, religious leaders, and community stakeholders, the governors can foster dialogue, promote understanding, and build bridges across divides.

Furthermore, the governors should recognise the importance of regional cooperation and collaboration. Many of the challenges faced by the states in Northern Nigeria transcend borders and require collective efforts to find lasting solutions. By forging partnerships with neighbouring states, federal agencies, and international organisations, the governors can leverage resources, expertise, and best practices to accelerate progress and development.

However, the success of the incoming governors’ agenda hinges on effective implementation and efficient utilisation of resources. They must prioritise prudent financial management, ensure the proper allocation and utilisation of funds, and establish systems to monitor and evaluate projects and programmes. Regular engagement with citizens through town hall meetings, surveys, and feedback mechanisms will help gauge the impact of policies and initiatives and allow for necessary adjustments.

Charting a course for progress requires a long-term vision and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of the people. The incoming governors must embrace the challenges with courage, determination, and a genuine desire to effect positive change. They have the opportunity to redefine the narrative of the Northern Nigerian states, transforming them into beacons of prosperity, harmony and opportunity.

They must remember that they are entrusted with the hopes and aspirations of millions of people. They have a sacred duty to prioritise the needs of the citizens and work tirelessly towards achieving the vision of a prosperous, inclusive and secure Northern Nigerian states.

It is a monumental task, but with visionary leadership, effective governance, and the collective effort of all stakeholders, the governors can usher in a new era of progress, where the potential of the region is fully realized and the people’s lives are transformed for the better.

Finally, the incoming governors must prioritize good governance and transparency. Corruption remains a significant challenge that hampers development and erodes public trust. The governors must lead by example, promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in all aspects of governance.

They should establish robust anticorruption agencies and implement stringent measures to combat corruption at all levels. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, the incoming governors can inspire confidence in the government and encourage public participation in decisionmaking processes.