President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to defeating banditry and terrorism across Northern Nigeria, insisting that no region of the country will be allowed to “bleed in silence” under his leadership.
Speaking in Kaduna at the 25th Anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the President—represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas—said his government inherited a deeply entrenched and complex security crisis. He noted, however, that his administration remains resolute in its mission to restore peace with urgency and firmness.
Tinubu warned that Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful national development if the North remains “paralysed,” stressing that the stability of the region is crucial to the peace and prosperity of the entire federation.
He commended the ACF for 25 years of service as a moral compass for the North, describing the organisation as a body of thinkers, patriots and mediators who have consistently defended the interests of millions. According to him, the region is facing one of the most severe challenges in its history—eroding security, declining communal values and a weakened moral foundation—but maintains that the North has not failed.
“It will only fail if leaders retreat from their responsibility to be their brothers’ keepers,” he said, adding that leadership loses meaning when leaders sleep peacefully while millions live in fear or go hungry.
The President expressed confidence that the North is on the verge of significant economic transformation, citing the expected commencement of crude oil production from the Kolmani fields and other emerging prospects. He highlighted ongoing infrastructure interventions, including rail, road and water transport projects, and revealed that the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Superhighway will be commissioned in Kano in the coming months.
Tinubu also lauded the proposed ACF Endowment Fund, describing it as a forward-thinking initiative focused on girl-child education, youth skills development, peacebuilding and conflict resolution. He urged Northern leaders across politics, traditional institutions and civil society to recommit to the founding principles of the ACF—justice, courage, fairness and collective responsibility—emphasising that unity remains the region’s strongest weapon.
“With unity, there is no challenge the North cannot overcome,” he said.
Barau Jibrin: North Can Overcome Insecurity
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, speaking on behalf of the Senate President, expressed optimism that Northern Nigeria can defeat its security challenges if leaders and institutions align strategically and make effective use of available resources.
He congratulated the ACF on its 25th anniversary and paid tribute to its founding fathers for their foresight in shaping a resilient Northern region. Barau noted that while trend analyses often highlight the region’s difficulties, they do not erase its history of resilience and determination.
He stressed that although insecurity remains a pressing concern, similar threats are widespread across West Africa. According to him, Northern leaders at the federal level—including himself and the Speaker of the House—are committed to partnering with state and local structures to address the root causes of insecurity.