The Northern Elders have unveiled an ambitious agenda for regional growth and industrialization, signaling a new phase in efforts to transform the economic fortunes of Northern Nigeria.

The NEF stressed that Northern Nigeria is not “landlocked” but “land-linked,” serving as a gateway to Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Benin, Mali, and the Central African Republic.

Speaking at a briefing in Abuja, spokesperson of NEF, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, announced the maiden edition of the Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialization Summit, organized in collaboration with the nineteen (19) Northern states and the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC).

The summit, scheduled for 29th and 30th September 2025, has been in the works for over a year and a half. Noting that it is designed to launch a patriotic, deliberate agenda aimed at strengthening the region’s development efforts and creating new opportunities for Nigerians and global partners.

The NEF recalled how, in the 1960s through the early 1980s, Northern Nigeria powered much of the nation’s economy with agriculture, livestock, and solid minerals, while spearheading landmark industrial projects. However, insecurity, underinvestment and other challenges have slowed progress in recent decades.

Jiddere said: “Our groundnut pyramids reached the skies; our cotton, hides, livestock, and solid minerals supported industries; and our leaders championed bold national infrastructure and industrial projects.

“Over the years, however, new challenges have emerged, ranging from insecurity to underinvestment, that slowed the pace of progress. This has left us with a paradox: a land blessed with abundance, but a people yet to fully enjoy the rewards of that abundance.

“This summit is about turning that paradox into opportunity and ensuring that Northern Nigeria steps confidently into a new era of growth. We have identified five key pillars and three supporting enablers as the foundation for Northern Nigeria’s renewal: Land & Agriculture: Vast arable lands across 19 states, capable of feeding Africa.”

The NEF stressed that the summit is not just for Northern Nigeria but for the entire country, Africa, and international partners who share the vision of inclusive prosperity.

He added; “This summit is not for Northern Nigeria alone. It is for Nigeria. It is for Africa. It is for all global partners who believe in shared prosperity. When Northern Nigeria rises, Nigeria rises. When Nigeria rises and Africa rises.

“We, as elders, carry the wisdom of memory and the responsibility of vision. But it is the youth, the generation under 60, and the children yet unborn, who will carry the dreams of tomorrow”. (The Nation)