By Kiso Simon
Stakeholders from across the North-Central region have called for a comprehensive, long term development strategy capable of transforming the region’s economy, infrastructure, security and social systems over the next two decades.
The call was made during a Northern Stakeholders Development engagement themed “The Great Leap Forward: A 20-Year Economic, Infrastructural and Social Development Plan for the North-Central Region.”
The stakeholders stressed that the region’s development challenges require more than short-term political interventions, arguing that sustainable transformation must be driven by deliberate policies, strong institutions, grassroots participation and continuity across successive administrations.
Ochi Doma (Obekpe) Calls for Stronger Grassroots Security Architecture
Speaking on insecurity, Ochi Doma, highlights weaknesses within Nigeria’s existing governance and security architecture, particularly the disconnect between government institutions and the communities where insecurity occurs.
He argued that effective security intervention depends largely on how quickly government and security agencies can identify, reach and respond to threats at the grassroots.
He emphasised the importance of traditional rulers and local government institutions, noting that they are closer to the people and often have access to critical information about emerging conflicts, criminal activities and community tensions.
He urged stakeholders to look beyond simplistic explanations of insecurity and examine the political, economic and criminal interests that may be driving violence.
He cautioned against reducing every security crisis to religious differences, stressing the need to investigate the networks behind insecurity by asking fundamental questions: Who finances the violence? Who recruits the perpetrators? Who supplies the weapons? And who benefits from prolonged insecurity?
He also called for greater attention to criminals operating within local communities rather than automatically attributing insecurity to external actors.
Using the analogy of a crack in a wall through which a lizard gains entry, Doma stressed that communities must identify and address their internal vulnerabilities while simultaneously dealing with external threats.
Local Government Autonomy as a Development Imperative
Doma further advocated genuine local government autonomy, arguing that local governments, being the closest tier of government to the people, should have the authority and resources required to respond effectively to challenges within their jurisdictions.
He noted that stronger local governments would be better positioned to address basic infrastructure needs such as rural roads, drainage, primary healthcare facilities, schools, sanitation and other community services.
He also advocated stronger collaboration among local governments, traditional institutions, communities and security agencies to establish an effective grassroots security and intelligence system.
Security Response Must Be Backed by Resources
The discussions also focused on the operational limitations confronting security agencies.
Stakeholders called for direct engagement with security agencies to identify the factors slowing emergency response, including inadequate manpower, logistics, vehicles, fuel, communication systems and operational equipment.
They stressed that security personnel cannot be expected to deliver effective law enforcement without the resources required to perform their duties.
The stakeholders therefore urged government to move beyond policy recommendations and address the practical deficiencies within the security architecture.
Senator Simon Danlami Highlights Economic Reforms
On the economic front, Senator Simon Danlami highlighted the importance of economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, as part of the difficult decisions required to reposition Nigeria’s economy for sustainable growth.
He noted that although subsidy removal has created significant short-term economic pressures for citizens and businesses, the policy must be considered within the broader objective of restoring economic sustainability and redirecting public resources towards productive sectors.
He stressed, however, that economic reforms must be accompanied by measures that protect vulnerable citizens, stimulate production, create jobs and improve infrastructure.
For the North-Central region, stakeholders argued that economic reforms should translate into tangible investments in agriculture, agro-processing, transportation, energy, education, healthcare, digital infrastructure and industrial development.
A 20-Year Vision for North-Central Nigeria
The stakeholders maintained that the North-Central region possesses enormous economic potential, particularly in agriculture, solid minerals, human capital, tourism, manufacturing and trade.
However, insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, weak institutions and limited industrial capacity continue to constrain the region’s ability to realise its potential.
They therefore called for a 20-year regional development framework with clear targets and measurable milestones for economic growth, infrastructure, security and social development.
The proposed agenda should prioritise:
– Agricultural transformation and agro-industrialisation
– Rural roads and regional transportation infrastructure
– Reliable electricity and renewable energy
– Education, skills development and youth employment
– Healthcare and social protection
– Water, sanitation and environmental sustainability
– Digital economy and innovation
– Mining and responsible exploitation of mineral resources
– Industrial parks and manufacturing
– Community security and intelligence systems
– Strengthening local government institutions
– Greater integration of traditional institutions into community development and peacebuilding
The engagement underscored a central message: North-Central Nigeria cannot afford another cycle of short-term interventions without a long-term development blueprint.
The region needs a coordinated vision that connects economic reforms with infrastructure, security, human capital and grassroots development.
The stakeholders therefore called on governments, traditional institutions, the private sector, civil society, development partners and citizens to work together in developing and implementing a 20-year North-Central Development Plan capable of delivering sustained economic prosperity, social stability and inclusive development.
The stakeholders also emphasised the importance of the traditional institution in achieving this vision, particularly the role of His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, the Och’Idoma, and other traditional rulers across the region in promoting peace, community engagement and grassroots development.
The Great Leap Forward, they argued, must move beyond rhetoric and become a measurable, accountable and people-centred development agenda for the next generation.
