Yusuf Musa|CCEO
Centre for Contemporary Studies. Abuja-Nigeria
Ilyasu Gadu's article, "Time for North to own up and correct its ills," offers a courageous and introspective assessment of the socio-economic and developmental challenges confronting Northern Nigeria. At a time when public discourse is often dominated by defensive posturing and regional recriminations, Gadu advances a more constructive argument: that meaningful progress requires honest self-examination and a willingness to confront internal shortcomings.
The central strength of the article lies in its rejection of simplistic blame narratives. While acknowledging the existence of prejudicial and sometimes uninformed perceptions about the North from other parts of the country, the author argues that the region cannot indefinitely attribute its difficulties to external factors. Instead, he contends that Northern leaders, elites, and institutions must accept responsibility for persistent poverty, underdevelopment, and insecurity that continue to affect millions of citizens.
Gadu effectively highlights the contradiction between the substantial public resources available to Northern states and the limited progress made in addressing widespread deprivation. His call for a comprehensive development agenda, comparable in ambition to historical reconstruction programmes and large-scale poverty reduction initiatives implemented elsewhere, is both timely and relevant. The emphasis on political will as the missing ingredient deserves serious consideration by policymakers across the region.
Particularly noteworthy is the author's examination of cultural and institutional attitudes that may have contributed to developmental stagnation. Although some readers may find aspects of this analysis controversial, it raises important questions about governance, accountability, social reform, and the relationship between leadership and citizen empowerment. These are issues that require open and sustained engagement if transformative change is to occur.
The article also provides a valuable reminder that insecurity is not merely a security problem but often a consequence of deeper socio-economic failures. By linking insecurity to poverty, exclusion, and inadequate development planning, Gadu encourages a broader and more holistic understanding of the crisis facing Northern Nigeria.
From a policy perspective, however, the article could have benefited from a more detailed discussion of practical pathways for reform. While the diagnosis is compelling, stakeholders would also benefit from clearer recommendations regarding education, economic diversification, agricultural modernization, governance reforms, and youth employment strategies.
Nevertheless, the article succeeds in stimulating a necessary conversation. Its greatest contribution is its insistence that sustainable progress begins with honest reflection rather than denial. Northern Nigeria possesses enormous human and material resources. Harnessing these assets will require visionary leadership, institutional reform, and a collective commitment to inclusive development.
The Centre for Contemporary Studies welcomes contributions that encourage evidence-based debate on national development challenges. In this regard, Ilyasu Gadu's intervention represents an important contribution to ongoing discussions about the future of Northern Nigeria and the broader quest for national progress.
Source: Ilyasu Gadu, "Time for North to own up and correct its ills," Daily Trust, 28 July 2026.
CCS EXECUTIVE DESK - 28/7/28
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Opinion