‘The North Holds the Key’: Northern Elders Forum spokesman calls for tech-driven revival of agriculture, mining, power
By: Goodluck E Adubazi, Abuja.
Professor Abubakar Jidere, spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has emphasized the urgent need for strategic investment in agriculture, mining, and power, identifying them as the key economic drivers capable of transforming Northern Nigeria and, by extension, the entire nation.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialization Summit (MAP 2025), held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Prof. Jidere described the event as a bold step toward unlocking the region’s vast economic potential.
“We are here for an economic and industrial summit to unlock strategic opportunities in mining, agriculture, and power—for the development of Northern Nigeria, and indeed, Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Agriculture, Mining, and Power: Catalysts of Growth
Responding to questions about whether other sectors are being overlooked, Prof. Jidere explained that while there are many growth areas, agriculture, mining, and power are considered “driver sectors” in economic development.
“In economics, there are sectors known as drivers. Once you ignite them, others will naturally follow. Agriculture is one. So is power. So is mining. These three can trigger development across all other sectors,” he noted.
A Call for Youth Innovation in the Age of AI
Addressing how young Nigerians—particularly in the North—can participate meaningfully in these sectors, Prof. Jidere stressed the importance of integrating modern technology and digital innovation into traditional industries.
“We’re not talking about the old days of farming with hoes and donkeys. Today’s agriculture is digital. There’s AI, smart irrigation, precision farming. The youth, who are very intelligent and tech-savvy, can lead this revolution,” he said.
He added that similar innovation must be applied to both mining and energy, urging young entrepreneurs and investors to take advantage of government support and new investment incentives.
A Regional Charter for Action
Prof. Jidere also disclosed that a development charter was signed during the summit, outlining a commitment by governors and the federal government to implement region-specific investment strategies.
“Each governor knows the resources available in their state. We’ve done the groundwork—mapped out the land, minerals, and potential. It’s now up to the states to drive the next phase,” he said.
He reiterated that NEF has shared data and investment intelligence with all participating governors to ensure that post-summit implementation is both coordinated and actionable.
As the summit wrapped up, Prof. Jidere made it clear that this must be more than a talking point—calling for continuous engagement, inter-state collaboration, and policy harmonization across the 19 northern states.
“From here, we move to implementation. This isn’t just about a single summit—it’s about a long-term shift in mindset and leadership. The North must industrialize, and it must do so with the tools of the modern era,” he concluded.
About the Summit
The MAP 2025 Summit, themed “Unlocking Strategic Opportunities in Mining, Agriculture, and Power,” convened government leaders, industry stakeholders, and international investors to craft a 10-year development blueprint for Northern Nigeria’s economic transformation.
