In the heart of Northern Nigeria, a transformative movement is brewing—a movement aimed at revitalizing a region long overshadowed by socio-economic challenges. The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), a prominent think tank and advocacy group, has taken a decisive step toward this revitalization by convening the inaugural Northern Nigerian Economic and Industrialization Summit. This landmark event, which took place on September 29-30, 2025, was not merely a gathering of policymakers and business leaders; it was a clarion call for action, a collective acknowledgment that the region must awaken from its prolonged slumber and reclaim its historical path of development and growth.
The summit, aptly themed “Unlocking Strategic Opportunities in Mining, Agriculture, and Power (MAP 2025),” brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Government, the Northern Nigeria Development Company (NNDC), Northern State Governors, and the Nigeria Association of Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). Notably, international investors from countries such as Turkey, India, Canada, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia expressed a keen interest in investing billions of dollars into the region’s vast potential. This convergence of local and international interests underscored a shared vision of economic transformation, signaling a renewed commitment to harnessing the rich resources and human capital of Northern Nigeria.
In a significant development following the summit, a delegation from the NEF has been invited to participate in the Turkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum in Turkey. Led by the Forum’s Director of Investment, Ambassador Abdulkadir Musafari, and comprising notable figures such as Barrister Abdullahi Toro and Dr. Bilkisu Oniyangi, the delegation aims to foster international investments and business opportunities for Northern Nigeria. Their presence at this esteemed forum is more than a diplomatic gesture; it is a strategic move to elevate the region’s economic profile on a global stage.
The Turkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum is renowned for its role in connecting African nations with Turkish business leaders, creating a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and investment. The NEF’s participation underscores its commitment to transforming the economic situation of Northern Nigeria through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives. This engagement is particularly crucial as the region grapples with high unemployment rates, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare—issues that have historically hampered its development.
The summit’s proceedings were marked by impactful contributions, including a keynote address by H.E. Abdel Aziz Alsherif, the First Under-Secretary of State and Head of the Egyptian Commercial Service. His insights emphasized the importance of fostering bilateral trade relations and enhancing economic cooperation between Turkey and Egypt, setting a constructive tone for the forum. Moderated by Kübra Orakçıoğlu Kazan, Chairperson of the DEİK/Outbound Investments Business Council, the session facilitated dynamic dialogues that encouraged participant engagement and collaboration.
The NEF’s delegation in Turkey is poised to engage with various stakeholders, including Turkish investors, business executives, and government officials, to showcase Northern Nigeria as a viable investment destination. The region is endowed with abundant natural resources, vast agricultural potential, and a youthful workforce, making it an attractive proposition for international investors seeking new markets. The NEF aims to highlight these advantages while addressing the historical challenges that have deterred investment, such as security concerns and infrastructural deficits.
This proactive approach has garnered attention and admiration from observers, many of whom have called upon other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to draw inspiration from the NEF’s initiative. Rather than remaining mired in a state of perpetual political lamentation, these organizations are encouraged to focus on tangible development projects that can bring about meaningful change in their communities. The NEF’s summit and subsequent participation in the Turkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum serve as a model for how strategic engagement and collaboration can lead to sustainable economic growth.
In reflecting on this pivotal moment, Deputy Director General of the NEF, Alhaji Salisu Mohammed, remarked, “Northern Nigeria has long faced economic challenges, including high unemployment rates, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare. By actively seeking partnerships and fostering international relations, the NEF is taking a bold step toward addressing these issues. The potential influx of investments could lead to job creation, improved infrastructure, and enhanced quality of life for the people of Northern Nigeria.”
Moreover, the NEF’s efforts align with broader goals of promoting regional stability and economic resilience. By creating a conducive environment for business and investment, the Forum is not only working to uplift the Northern region but also contributing to the overall economic development of Nigeria. This initiative has the potential to serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring other regions to pursue similar paths of collaboration and innovation.
The discussions at the summit revealed a consensus among stakeholders that a pragmatic transition is necessary—from merely managing macroeconomic stability to actively deploying capital into high-impact sectors like agriculture, power, and mining. This shift from stabilization to strategic investment is essential for achieving the economic transformation that Northern Nigeria desperately needs. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of investing in technology, harmonizing land administration systems, and partnering with local and international investors to fully harness the region’s comparative advantages.
The summit culminated in a resolution to explore the untapped potential of the region’s resources, particularly in solar power, mining, and agriculture. The call to explore inland oil resources further illustrates the commitment to diversifying the economic base and ensuring sustainable growth. By harnessing these opportunities, the NEF and its partners aim to address the pressing issues of poverty and unemployment that have long plagued the region.
As the NEF embarks on this ambitious journey, it is essential to recognize that the road ahead will be fraught with challenges. However, the collective resolve demonstrated during the summit and the subsequent engagement in Turkey signal a renewed hope for Northern Nigeria. The region, which has been in deep slumber for decades, appears to be awakening to the reality that it has strayed from the path of development carved out by its forefathers, many of whom sacrificed greatly for progress.
In conclusion, the Northern Elders Forum’s initiatives represent a beacon of hope for Northern Nigeria. By fostering international partnerships, engaging in strategic dialogues, and promoting investment in key sectors, the NEF is laying the groundwork for a brighter economic future. The participation in the Turkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum is a testament to the Forum’s commitment to transforming challenges into opportunities. As Northern Nigeria stands on the cusp of a new era, it is imperative that all stakeholders unite in this endeavor, embracing the spirit of collaboration and shared vision to unlock the region’s full potential. The time for action is now, and the path to revitalization is being forged by those willing to dream, innovate, and invest in a prosperous future.
