…As ACF reaffirms neutrality ahead of 2027
Northern Nigeria’s two foremost socio-political blocs — the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) — have taken significant steps to reposition the region, with one focusing on economic revival and the other reinforcing political neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At the just-concluded Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit (NNIIS) in Abuja, the NEF announced the creation of the Northern Nigeria Economic Development Council (NNEDC) — a new institution tasked with driving industrialisation, harmonising policy, and attracting investment to the region.
According to a communiqué signed by NEF’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, over $10 billion in new investments were pledged across the mining, agriculture, and power sectors during the summit themed: “Unlocking Strategic Opportunities in Mining, Agriculture, and Power (MAP 2025)”.
The two-day event drew participation from northern governors, private sector leaders, development partners, and delegations from countries such as Turkey, India, Canada, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia, all expressing interest in investing in the region’s growth sectors.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister of Finance Wale Edun, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to revitalising the North’s economy through institutional capital mobilisation and public-private partnerships.
Governors from the North West, North East, and North Central regions jointly signed the Northern Nigeria Economic Development Charter, committing their states to a unified economic vision. The NNEDC will operate under the joint oversight of the NEF and the Northern Governors’ Forum, with a Joint Implementation and Monitoring Taskforce expected to release a 60-day roadmap.
Meanwhile, in Kaduna, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has reaffirmed its non-partisan stance as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees, Bashir Dalhatu (Wazirin Dutse), said the Forum would enforce stricter communication protocols to prevent contradictory public statements by members. Speaking during a BoT meeting attended by state chairmen and secretaries, Dalhatu emphasised that while members are free to belong to political parties of their choice, the ACF remains a socio-cultural organisation, not a political one.
He urged unity among northern groups, warning against the “unhealthy proliferation” of parallel associations with overlapping objectives. Dalhatu also praised the armed forces for their sacrifices in combating insecurity and condemned what he described as sabotage against the Dangote Refinery, calling it “a national calamity”.
The ACF, which marks its 25th anniversary in November, reiterated its mission to promote democracy, good governance, and regional cohesion.
Both the NEF and ACF, while operating in distinct spheres, appear aligned in steering the North toward economic renewal, political maturity, and collective unity — signalling a coordinated regional effort as Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 elections.
