Open Letter to Malam Shekarau: Use LND to End Poverty in the North

Open Letter to Malam Shekarau: Use LND to End Poverty in the North

By Baba El-Yakubu

Dear Malam Ibrahim Shekarau,

The news of the formation of your new group – League of Northern Democrats (LND) – came to me as a pleasant surprise. This is because of the deafening silence from the northern leaders after the so-called Hunger Protests of early August. It was particularly more violent and destructive in the north. Yet, many northern leaders kept mute. You are among the few leaders who stepped forward, commented, and offered suggestions. I watched the insightful interview you granted the TVC News in response to the protest. As you know, the north, with its rich economic potential and cultural heritage, has been a cornerstone of our nation’s identity. Yet, we are acutely aware of the challenges that have held us back—poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and a lack of infrastructure, to name just a few. These issues have festered over decades, leading to a vicious cycle that has kept our people from realizing their full potential. The protests across the region offered opportunities for the masses to show their grievances. The interview was balanced and essentially called on President Bola Tinubu and other leaders to address the protest’s root cause and the protesters’ yearning demands. 

I am delighted that LND was formed to expand your call and do more. As you stated on Tuesday, 20th August, 2024, ‘the LND resolved to organize a Northern Nigerian Political Summit, to serve as a platform for discussing the region’s political future, economic development, and security challenges. It will bring together key leaders, thinkers, and influencers to chart a new course for the North.” You envisioned the LND to serve as a thin tank that would produce documented and actionable plans to be presented to “anybody seeking our votes that these are the aspirations” of our people.

Therefore, I write this letter to you with a deep sense of urgency and responsibility. The time has come for Northern Nigeria to take a definitive stand against the crippling poverty that has plagued our region for far too long. I believe LND has come at a right. I hope it will learn from the mistakes of the previous similar summit organizers and ensure actionable plans.  There is no better moment than now, and no better leader than you, to spearhead this movement.

Malam Shekarau, your legacy as a leader who has always prioritized the welfare of the people is well known. As a former Governor of Kano State, you implemented policies that significantly improved education and healthcare, and your tenure brought about positive change that is still remembered today. You mentioned some of these achievements in the interview. Your experience, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the people make you uniquely qualified to lead this new movement. Therefore, for the LND Summit to succeed, I propose some topics that need to be addressed. I focus on the economic development. This is simply because, if we improve the economy; security and political problems will be gradually alleviated.

Let me start with the obvious. I am sure the LND Summit organizers will have specific objectives. The following may be considered and added: (i) To identify and discuss key economic challenges and opportunities in Northern Nigeria, (ii) To share best practices and successful development models from within Nigeria and other regions, (iii) To develop a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable economic development in Northern Nigeria, and (iv) To foster partnerships between government, private sector, and development agencies for implementing identified strategies. If these are achieved, poverty will be history in the north.

The following 7-point agenda, focusing on economic development may be considered

1. Agriculture and Agribusiness Development:  Agriculture remains the backbone of Northern Nigeria’s economy. This session will focus on modernizing agriculture, improving value chains, and promoting agribusiness as a means of economic diversification and food security. As John F. Kennedy beautifully stated, “The war against hunger is truly mankind’s war of liberation”. The participants at the summit may address the following Discussion Points: (i) Innovations in agricultural technology (AgriTech) and practices, (ii) Enhancing agricultural value chains and access to markets, and (iii) Leveraging agribusiness for job creation and poverty reduction. As you may be aware, Ethiopia’s Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA) has successfully implemented programs that have increased productivity and market access, serving as a model for agricultural reform. It showed a clear reduction in poverty in the targeted areas.

2. Developing ICT and Digital Economy: The digital economy presents a significant opportunity for economic diversification and youth empowerment in Northern Nigeria. This session will discuss strategies for building ICT infrastructure, digital literacy, and fostering a culture of innovation. I really concerned that among the ICT-based companies in Nigeria, a large majority is from the south. There is very wide north-south digital divide in Nigeria. LND should pay special attention to ICT as an employment-generating sector. The participants may address the following Discussion Points: (i) Expanding broadband access and digital infrastructure, (ii) Promoting digital literacy and ICT skills among the youth, and (iii) Encouraging digital entrepreneurship and innovation hubs. There are many very good examples of successful ICT development. One of them is Rwanda’s ICT-led development strategy. The “Smart Kigali” initiative is well-known. It has transformed the country into a regional ICT hub, providing valuable lessons for Northern Nigeria.

3. Education and Human Capital Development: As an educationist, you know very well that education is critical for long-term economic development. The famous author and futurist, H.G. Well, called education the most important societal leveller. This session will explore strategies to improve educational outcomes, vocational training, and skill development, particularly in underserved areas. The following discussion points may be considered: (i) Reforming educational systems to meet market needs, (ii) Expanding vocational and technical training, and (iii) Addressing gender disparities and promoting inclusive education. If I may suggest a high and inspirational target, the North education reform may look at the case study of Finland. The country’s education system, known for its high quality and equity, offers a model for comprehensive educational reform, emphasizing skill development and lifelong learning.

4. Industrialization and Economic Diversification: Industrialization is key to economic diversification and job creation. This session will explore how to develop industries that leverage Northern Nigeria’s natural resources and create value-added products. We should focus on (i) Developing key industries such as textiles, agro-processing, and mining, (ii) Creating industrial parks and special economic zones, and (iii) Encouraging investment in manufacturing and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). China’s recent development offers a very good example for the North. China’s industrialization strategy, including the development of special economic zones, has been instrumental in its rapid economic growth and offers insights into how Northern Nigeria can achieve similar success.

5. Infrastructure Development and Urbanization: Infrastructure is the foundation of economic growth. This session will discuss the critical need for infrastructure development, including transportation, energy, and urban planning, to support economic activities in Northern Nigeria. For example, due to the poor road network, it may cost less to transport goods from China to the Nigerian port, than from the port to northern Nigeria. These issues should be discussed focussing on (i) Prioritizing infrastructure projects that enhance economic connectivity, (ii) Addressing the energy deficit to support industrial and commercial activities and (iii) Planning sustainable urbanization to accommodate growing populations. For example, South Korea’s infrastructure development, particularly in transportation and urban planning, has been a key driver of its economic success and provides a model for Northern Nigeria

6. Social Protection and Poverty Reduction: There must be deliberate attempts at reducing poverty and inequality. This is essential for sustainable development. This session will focus on social protection measures, poverty alleviation programs, and inclusive growth strategies. The participant should discuss and outline clear recommendations on (i) Implementing effective social safety nets and cash transfer programs, (ii) Empowering marginalized groups through targeted interventions, and (iii) Promoting inclusive economic policies that benefit all segments of society. There is a very good example from Brazil. Its “Bolsa Família” program, which combines cash transfers with social services, has been effective in reducing poverty and inequality, offering a model for similar initiatives in Northern Nigeria.

7. Governance, Security, and Institutional Reforms: Good governance and security are prerequisites for economic development. This session will examine the role of governance, transparency, and institutional reforms in fostering a conducive environment for economic growth. The points for discussion are (i) Strengthening institutions and improving public service delivery, (ii) Enhancing security and stability to attract investment, and (iii) Promoting transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures. I am sure, you are aware of the contribution of Lee Kuan Yew to Singapore. His major legacy is Singapore’s transformation through institutional reforms and strong governance. This may provide a blueprint for how Northern Nigeria can achieve a stable and efficient governance structure.

Sir, I believe these seven topics and several discussion points will help the LND summit organizers develop actionable points to end poverty in the North. The expected Outcomes of the summit are (i) A detailed action plan outlining strategies for economic development in Northern Nigeria, (ii) Commitments from key stakeholders to implement identified strategies, (iii) Formation of partnerships and collaborations between government, private sector, and development agencies, and (iv) Increased awareness and engagement on the critical issues facing Northern Nigeria’s economy. By focusing on key areas such as agriculture, ICT, education, industrialization, infrastructure, social protection, and governance, the summit may develop a holistic and sustainable economic development strategy. Drawing on successful models from other regions, Northern Nigeria can overcome its challenges and unlock its full economic potential. Sir, if we don’t end poverty; poverty will end us as a people. The recent Hunger Protest is a very clear wake-up call to all leaders of the region. As a Nigerian novelist, Buchi Emecheta said, “A hungry man is an angry one”.

May Allah strengthen your hand to lead LND towards reducing poverty in the North and Nigeria in general.

With Salam and best wishes, I thank you very much for your time.

Yours Faithfully

Baba El-Yakubu

PTDF-Chair Professor of Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University

Email: [email protected]