The Arewa Grassroot Leaders Assembly has called on President Bola Tinubu to make security in Northern Nigeria a top priority to accelerate the region’s development.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the President General of the Assembly, Mr. Collins Monday, emphasized the need for collective efforts to address the region’s challenges. He urged Tinubu to reconsider policies that could negatively impact the North, including insufficient infrastructure funding, inadequate social services, and limited representation in key government positions.

Call for Security and Economic Reforms
Monday highlighted the urgent need for increased military presence and community-led security initiatives to combat banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. He also proposed investments in agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship to reduce poverty and unemployment in the region.

“We request increased military presence and community-led initiatives to enhance security, particularly in the face of persistent threats from binfo
try, kidnapping, and terrorism,” he stated.

On education, he stressed the importance of quality schooling and vocational training to address the high number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria. He also advocated for better funding of primary healthcare facilities to strengthen medical services across the region.

Commendation and Future Plans
Despite raising concerns, Monday acknowledged Tinubu’s positive impact in key sectors, including agriculture and education, as well as the prioritization of infrastructure projects like the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, the Trans-Saharan Highway, and the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

The Assembly also announced plans to host a security summit, bringing together 5,000 grassroots and community leaders in consultation with security agencies and key stakeholders.

“We aim to discuss community-led initiatives to enhance security, identify areas of collaboration with security agencies, and develop a comprehensive plan to address insecurity in Northern Nigeria,” Monday stated.

He urged the Tinubu administration to implement policies tailored to the region’s specific needs, emphasizing that a stronger, more secure North would contribute to a more prosperous and united Nigeria.