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Peter Obi Urges Investment in Northern Nigeria to Tackle Poverty and Insecurity
Posted by Gistsnaija.
on 26 May, 2025 |
0
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has called for increased investment in Northern Nigeria as a strategic solution to the region’s ongoing challenges of poverty and insecurity.
Speaking at the National Political Consultative Group (North) meeting held in Abuja on Sunday, Obi emphasized the untapped potential of the North in transforming Nigeria’s future.
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Obi highlighted the North’s agricultural and human resources as key drivers of national development, stating, “I’ve always said the North can change Nigeria. The greatest asset of this country is the North. We can make more money from agriculture than we make from oil.”
He lamented the high poverty rates in northern states, attributing them to long-term underinvestment and policy neglect.
According to Peter Obi, a lack of basic opportunities has created a breeding ground for insecurity, making it easier for extremist groups and criminal elements to recruit vulnerable individuals.
“When people don’t know where their next meal is coming from, you cannot control their actions,” he warned. “And they easily recruit,” he added, referencing how insurgents exploit poverty to expand their influence.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that the solution lies in pulling people out of poverty through education and agricultural reform. “The more you pull people out of poverty, the more you solve insecurity. We need to invest in education,” he said.
Obi also drew attention to the crisis of out-of-school children in the North, particularly the Almajiri population. He advocated for mobile and inclusive education models tailored to reach underserved communities.
“Our children are not in school. If they can’t go to school, take the school to them,” he urged.
Comparing Nigeria’s agricultural output to other nations, Obi pointed out that the country produces less than six million tonnes of rice annually, which he noted is less than 10% of Bangladesh’s output.
“Bangladesh is about 148,600 square kilometres—roughly the size of just two northern states, Niger and Borno combined,” he said, emphasizing the vast potential still untapped in Nigeria.
Concluding his remarks, Obi expressed confidence that with the right policies, political will, and investment in people, Nigeria—particularly its northern region—can overcome its challenges and lead Africa in sustainable development.
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