President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to decisively tackling banditry and terrorism in Northern Nigeria, vowing that no region of the country will be allowed to “bleed in silence” under his leadership.
The President delivered the message through the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, during the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Arewa Consultative Forum in Kaduna.
He acknowledged that his government met a complex and deeply entrenched security challenge but said it remains resolute in restoring peace with urgency and firmness.
Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria’s development cannot be achieved if a key region like the North remains “paralysed,” stressing that the nation’s stability and prosperity depend heavily on peace in the region.
He applauded the ACF for its 25 years of advocacy, describing the group as a body of thinkers, patriots and mediators whose moral voice has consistently defended the interests of millions in the North.
According to the President, the Northern region is confronting one of its most difficult periods, marked by insecurity, eroding communal values and a weakening moral climate. However, he insisted the region has not failed.
“It will only fail if leaders retreat from their responsibility to be their brothers’ keepers,” Tinubu noted, adding that leadership becomes meaningless when leaders “sleep peacefully while millions sleep hungry or travel in fear.”
Tinubu expressed confidence that the North is on the brink of economic revival, pointing to the expected commencement of crude oil production from the Kolmani fields and other emerging opportunities.
He also highlighted ongoing investments in rail, road and water transport systems, revealing that the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Superhighway is nearing completion and will be commissioned in Kano soon.
The President further commended the proposed ACF Endowment Fund, calling it a forward-thinking initiative aimed at promoting girl-child education, youth empowerment, peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
He urged political, traditional and civil society leaders in the North to renew their commitment to the founding ideals of the ACF, courage, justice, fairness and collective responsibility. He underscored that the region’s unity remains its greatest strength.
“With unity, there is no challenge the North cannot overcome,” he said.
Barau Jibrin: North Has Capacity to Defeat Insecurity
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who represented the Senate President at the event, also expressed optimism that Northern Nigeria can decisively tackle its security challenges if leaders and institutions coordinate effectively and make full use of available resources.
Barau congratulated the ACF on its 25-year milestone and praised its founding fathers for establishing an institution that has contributed to shaping the North’s resilience.
He observed that although discussions about the region often focus on its difficulties, they do not diminish its long-standing history of strength and perseverance.
He acknowledged the ongoing insecurity but noted that similar threats are present across West Africa. Barau assured that Northern leaders at the federal leve, including himself and the Speaker, are committed to working with state and local authorities to address the root causes of insecurity.
