Abba Dukawa
“The Northwest region of Nigeria, spanning seven states (Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara) across approximately 216,065 square kilometers, faces significant challenges.
Once a bastion of peace and commerce, the area has been severely impacted by insecurity, affecting five out of its seven states.
This shift has transformed the region from a thriving hub of trade and agriculture to one grappling with safety concerns.
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Despite its vast untapped mineral resources the region remains impoverished.
Approximately 80% of the population relies on farming, pastoralism, or small-scale entrepreneurship.
For almost a decade Northwest region has been ravaged by increasingly violent criminal gangs, responsible for mass abductions, farm seizures, and widespread internal displacement.
This escalating violence has fueled growing instability, affecting million people.
Tasks Before NWDC:The Northwest Development Commission (NWDC) must remain resolute and focused on its core objectives, unwavering in its commitment to addressing the region’s challenges.
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The Commission objectives include: Promoting economic development, Improving infrastructure, Enhancing social services (education, healthcare)
Other are fostering regional collaboration, Addressing security challenges, encouraging investment and reducing poverty and inequality
Strict adherence to these objectives will undoubtedly enhance the lives of citizens in the Northwest region.
To address these issues, the Northwest Development Commission (NWDC) must collaborate with stakeholders to enhance safety and stability.
Foster economic growth through agriculture, commerce, and infrastructure development. Improve access to education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.
By tackling these challenges, NWDC can help revitalize the region and improve the lives of its citizens
There is a pressing need for the Northwest Development Commission (NWDC) to engage hold public town hall stakeholder meetings across the seven states.
This will enable the commission to gain a deeper understanding of the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens in the region.
Media enlightenment for the Northwest Development Commission (NWDC) could involve: public awareness campaigns, information dissemination on NWDC’s objectives and initiatives.
Other community outreach programs, collaborations with local media outlets and new media engagement.
This would help educate citizens about NWDC’s goals, progress, and impact, fostering transparency and trust.
Recently, the Northwest Development Commission (NWDC) paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani, at the Government House in Kaduna.
During the visit, Prof. Ma’aji highlighted the Commission’s priority areas. He emphasized NWDC’s commitment to collaborating with state governments to drive measurable progress in these key sectors.
I am delighted to learn that the Commission will collaborate closely with the region’s governors to develop a comprehensive 10-year master plan aimed at driving integrated growth across the North-West.
In my view, the commission’s courtesy visits to the governors, beginning with Kaduna State, are a step in the right direction.
Dukawa writes from Abuja and can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com