The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged Northern leaders to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions to revive industries, create jobs and attract sustainable investment. He made the appeal at the inaugural International Business and Investment Summit in Bauchi, stressing that economic initiatives must deliver tangible results.
In recent years the North has hosted numerous economic summits in Kaduna, Kano, Taraba and Abuja. Yet, despite lofty speeches, signed memoranda of understanding and grand declarations, visible outcomes have been scarce. The Sultan questioned the impact of these gatherings, asking how many factories have been revived, how many youths have secured employment and how many investors have actually established a presence in the region.
To address the poor implementation and lack of progress, the Sultan proposed a comprehensive review of past investment summits across Northern states—including Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Gombe and Borno. Such an evaluation would identify weaknesses such as inadequate follow‑up mechanisms, weak monitoring systems, policy inconsistencies, insufficient infrastructure and insecurity, all of which deter investors.
He emphasized the need to track progress from promise to result, ensuring that every memorandum of understanding signed translates into tangible impact. Creating an environment conducive to investment requires essential amenities—roads, electricity and security—to be in place. By doing so, Northern leaders can demonstrate their commitment to fostering economic growth and development.
The Sultan’s call to action underscores the urgency for a more pragmatic approach to economic development. As the region continues to grapple with unemployment and underinvestment, effective implementation and follow‑through on initiatives have never been more pressing. Heeding the Sultan’s advice could enable Northern leaders to revitalize their economies and build a more prosperous future for their citizens.
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