The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Northern leaders to shift their focus from mere rhetoric to tangible actions aimed at revitalizing industries, generating employment opportunities, and attracting sustainable investments. This appeal was made during the inaugural International Business and Investment Summit in Bauchi, where the Sultan emphasized the need for concrete results from economic initiatives.
In recent years, the Northern region has hosted numerous economic summits, including those in Kaduna, Kano, Taraba, and Abuja. Despite the lofty speeches, signed memoranda of understanding, and grand declarations, the Sultan noted that visible results have been scarce. He questioned the outcomes of these summits, asking how many factories have been revived, how many youths have secured jobs, 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. This evaluation would help identify weaknesses such as inadequate follow-up mechanisms, weak monitoring systems, policy inconsistencies, insufficient infrastructure, and insecurity, which deter investors.
The Sultan stressed the importance of tracking the progress from promise to actual results, ensuring that every memorandum of understanding signed has a tangible impact. He emphasized the need to create an environment conducive to investment, with essential amenities like roads, electricity, and security in place. By doing so, Northern leaders can demonstrate their commitment to fostering economic growth and development in the region.
The Sultan’s call to action underscores the urgency for Northern leaders to adopt a more pragmatic approach to economic development. As the region continues to grapple with challenges like unemployment and underinvestment, the need for effective implementation and follow-through on economic initiatives has never been more pressing. By heeding the Sultan’s advice, Northern leaders can take significant strides towards revitalizing their economies and creating a more prosperous future for their citizens.
