Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has drawn a direct link between the persistent insecurity plaguing Northern Nigeria and the deep-rooted issues of poverty and unemployment, stating that addressing the socio-economic challenges is crucial to restoring peace and stability in the region.
Speaking during a recent public engagement in Kaduna, the Governor emphasized that insecurity cannot be tackled solely through military might or security deployments, stressing that the failure to provide economic opportunities for the teeming youth population has created fertile ground for criminal activities, including banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping for ransom.
“The North is bleeding, and we must be honest with ourselves. Until we tackle poverty and unemployment, insecurity will persist. People are hungry, young people are idle, and this is a dangerous mix,” Governor Sani said, pointing to the increasing rate of youth involvement in criminal networks as a consequence of economic hardship.
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Northern states, including Kaduna, consistently record some of the highest poverty and unemployment rates in the country. The 2024 NBS report showed that over 60% of the population in many northern states lives below the poverty line, while youth unemployment hovers around 40%. These alarming figures, experts argue, directly correlate with the worsening security situation in the region.
Governor Sani, who has been vocal on issues affecting the North since assuming office in 2023, highlighted ongoing efforts by his administration to create jobs, improve access to education, and boost agricultural productivity, measures he believes will serve as long-term solutions to the underlying issues fueling insecurity.
“We are investing in vocational training, agribusiness, and skills acquisition to empower our youth. Security is not just about guns and boots on the ground; it’s about creating hope and giving people a reason to live peacefully,” he said.
In recent years, Kaduna State has been one of the hardest-hit areas by banditry and communal clashes, with several communities experiencing displacement, school closures, and loss of livelihoods. Despite increased security presence, many rural areas remain vulnerable due to limited access to government infrastructure and economic support.
Governor Sani called for a coordinated effort among northern leaders, security agencies, and development partners to confront what he described as “a ticking time bomb.” He urged the Federal Government to increase investment in the North’s human capital development, arguing that sustainable peace would remain elusive without deliberate socio-economic interventions.
His comments come amid renewed calls by civil society organizations and policy analysts for a shift in the national security strategy to one that combines military operations with targeted poverty alleviation programs, particularly in regions experiencing chronic underdevelopment.
While acknowledging the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges, Governor Uba Sani maintained that the path to lasting peace in the North begins with economic justice and inclusive governance.
“We must not pretend. Our people are suffering. If we don’t deal with the root causes, we will continue to go in circles,” he concluded.
