Collapsing Economy: “North facing serious challenges, looming danger ahead” – Dr. Usman Bugaje warns

Bugaje on North

Elder statesman, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has raised concern over the worsening condition of Northern Nigeria, stressing that poverty, insecurity and corruption may push the region towards collapse, urging collective efforts to prevent further decline.

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Dr. Bugaje made these remarks at the ‘Arewa Movement for Good Governance Conference”, themed: “The North and the Dangers Looming on the Horizon: The Need for a New Conversation and a New Narrative”, which took place yesterday in Kaduna.

According to Dr. Bugaje, nearly 60% of tertiary institution students cannot return due to unaffordable tuition and transportation costs. He revealed that in 25 years of democracy, poverty has more than doubled, leaving over 33 million Nigerians facing starvation.

He also highlighted the economic crisis, stating that the country’s currency has significantly depreciated. The minimum wage is insufficient to buy a single bag of rice, showing how the economy is collapsing.

“The North is in crisis, and we are not taking action. This situation is alarming. Insecurity has spread beyond control, crippling trade, commerce, and agriculture—the backbone of the region’s economy. Public institutions are failing in service delivery”, he stated.

“The social sector is suffering the most. Human capital is declining, and youth unemployment is soaring. Simply put, Nigeria is not working”, he lamented.

Dr. Bugaje also criticised the poor infrastructure, especially electricity, which remains unreliable, pointing out that the neighbouring Niger Republic appears to be performing better in this sector.

He accused politicians of indulging in false pride, delivering empty speeches while surrounding themselves with praise-singers, hangers-on, and thugs, many of whom are drug users.

“We are heading toward disaster, with no clear future. With 20 million out-of-school children, most of them in the North, we are sitting on a time bomb. Nearly 60% of tertiary students in the region cannot afford to continue their education”, he warned.

Bugaje on North3

Dr. Bugaje also condemned the weakening of traditional institutions by political leaders, whom he described as symbols of decay. “Many religious leaders have been compromised with money, and drawn into a corrupt political culture dominated by violence and money politics; some politicians are willing to do anything to stay in power”, he added.

He emphasised that leadership remains Nigeria’s biggest challenge, and therefore urged northern elites to unite and address these pressing issues. “History will not forgive the Nigerian elites for failing to solve these problems”, he further warned.

Former Kaduna State Commissioner for Education and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Tom Maiyashi, echoed these concerns, stating that Northern Nigeria is on the verge of collapse, and called on northerners to take action.

“Northern elites must wake up and tackle these challenges before it’s too late”, he urged.

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