President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has underlined his administration’s commitment to combating banditry and terrorism in Northern Nigeria, vowing that no part of the country will be allowed to “bleed in silence” under his watch.
Speaking in Kaduna at the 25th Anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the President, represented by Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajuddeen Abbas, stated that his government inherited a deeply layered and sophisticated security crisis, but that it is determined to restore peace with urgency and firmness.
Tinubu warned that Nigeria cannot make significant progress if a crucial region like the North stays “paralyzed,” emphasizing that the region’s stability is critical to the federation’s peace and prosperity.
He lauded the ACF for its 25-year role as the North’s conscience, describing the forum as a wellspring of thinkers, patriots, mediators, and moral voices who have defended millions’ interests.
According to him, the North is facing one of the most difficult tests in its history—corroded security, crumbling communal norms, and a weakening moral compass—but he insists the region has not failed.
“It will only fail if leaders retreat from their responsibility to be their brothers’ keepers,” he said, adding that leadership loses relevance the day leaders sleep peacefully while millions sleep hungry or travel in fear.
The president expressed confidence that the North is on the approach of an economic recovery, citing the planned rollout of crude oil from the Kolmani fields and other new opportunities throughout the region.
He noted various ongoing interventions, such as faster rail, road, and water transport projects, and announced that the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Superhighway would be finished and commissioned in Kano in the coming months.
Tinubu also praised the proposed ACF Endowment Fund, calling it a progressive step for its emphasis on girl-child education, youth skill development, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution.
He asked Northern leaders in politics, traditional institutions, and civil society to recommit to the ACF’s founding ideals of courage, justice, fairness, and collective responsibility, emphasizing the importance of unity as the region’s strongest weapon.
“With unity, there is no challenge the North cannot overcome,” he said.
Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President, also spoke at the event and expressed confidence that Northern Nigeria can overcome its recurrent insecurity if leaders and institutions work together effectively and use existing resources.
Representing the Senate President, Barau congratulated the ACF on its Silver Jubilee and paid tribute to its founding fathers, emphasizing that their foresight helped establish a resilient Northern area.
He explained that while trend assessments frequently highlight the region’s issues, they do not erase its legacy of perseverance and resolve.
While insecurity remains a severe worry, Barau stated that similar risks exist throughout West Africa and that Northern officials at the federal level, including himself and the Speaker, are willing to collaborate with states and local institutions to address the underlying reasons.
