A joint meeting of Northern Governors’ Forum and Northern Traditional Ruler’ Council which took place today in Kaduna ended with the Forum resolving to scale up efforts to tackle the root causes of youth restiveness by investing in education, skills development, job creation and pathways for the youth to chanel their energy into productive ventures, thereby reducing their vulnerability to crime and social vices
A communique at the end of the meeting shows that the Forum received briefing on the security challenges in the north and the efforts of the military in tackling the menace from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa as well as deliberated extensively on matters of common interest.
Forum also agrees that Northern Nigeria holds immense agricultural potentials, which if fully harnessed, can significantly alleviate hunger and boost economic growth.
According to the Forum, such can only be achieved through re-industrialisation of the North especially by reviving the textile value chain and development of other agro-allied industries.
It also resolved to provide adequate support to farmers in the region, including access to financing, modern farming techniques and infrastructure such as roads and irrigation systems.
“Agriculture should not only be seen as a means to feed our people but also as a catalyst for industrialization and job creation across the region”, the forum noted.
On the issue of insecurity, the Forum acknowledged the recent gains made against criminals, especially the elimination of bandits and terror leaders. and resolved to sustain these gains in order to ensure lasting peace and stability in the sub-region while commending the Federal Government and security agencies for their commitment in ensuring that communities are safe and secure.
The Forum particularly commended the untiring commitment of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher J Musa whose professionalism and innovative approach it said has made the difference in security architecture of the Country at large.
“Nevertheless more need to be done to address pockets of challenges that abound in the Northern Region”, it noted.
The Forum further noted that traditional Institutions are critical in the quest for lasting peace and security in the region, especially, their commitment in bridging the gap between the Government and the people and called for increased roles for the Traditional Institutions to maximize cooperation with security agencies in the fight against kidnap for ransom, banditry, cattle rustling, communal clashes, farmers/herder clashes and other forms of criminality.
Forum used the moment to extend its deepest sympathies to the victims of the recent flood disasters in Maiduguri and other parts of the North, as well as to the families affected by the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State.
The Forum equally commiserates with other victims of terrorism, banditry and similar criminal activities in the North and Nigeria at large and stand in solidarity with them during these difficult times.
“We agreed to continue to work with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide the necessary support and relief to those affected.”We agreed to continue to work with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide the necessary support and relief to those affected”, the Forum stated.
In the Communique, Forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the reform initiative in the livestock sub-sector and agreed to provide the necessary political will and commitment to ensure the success of the Federal Government livestock development initiatives and pledged also to sustain engagement and cross-fertilization of ideas with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee to achieve greater results.
It acknowledged that climate change has greatly affected the environment resulting in the recent flood incidents in many parts of the North and therefore resolved to partner with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to build irrigation infrastructure like canals and waterways to divert excess water and channel them towards irrigation activities, thus enhancing rural livelihoods and safeguarding food security.
“Forum agrees to support and key-in to any initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of out-of-school-children and improving educational outcomes in the sub-region” it declared in the communique
It however expressed dismay the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly, and took exception to the contents, saying it is against the interests of the north and other sub-nationals especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to Derivation-based Model.
The forum argued that companies remit VAT using location of their headquarters and tax office and not where the services and goods are consumed and therefore unanimously said the forum “reject the proposed Tax Amendments and calls on members of National Assembly to oppose any bill that could jeopardise the well-being of the region.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Northern Governor’ Forum is not averse to any policies or programmes that will ensure the growth and development of the Country. However, the Forum calls for equity and farness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes so as to ensure that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalised”.
On the present economic hardship affecting the Country, the Forum is appealing to all citizens to remain calm, as the States and Federal Government are working hard to implement measures that will cushion the effects of the hardship.