The Youth Are Speaking Northern Governors Call #EndBadGovernance Protests A Turning Point

The Youth Are Speaking Northern Governors Call #EndBadGovernance Protests A Turning Point

Kaduna — In response to the August “End Bad Governance” protests, the 19 Northern governors acknowledged the growing youth unrest across the region,.….. CONTINUE READING

attributing it to poverty, illiteracy, and limited economic opportunities.

Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State, Chair of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), emphasized in Kaduna that “our young people are calling for change, and it’s our duty to listen and act.” He called for investment in education, skill development, and job creation to help channel youth energy into productive pursuits and reduce the risk of crime.

The gathering, which included northern political leaders, traditional rulers like the Sultan of Sokoto, and security officials, addressed pressing regional challenges. Governor Yahaya noted the need to tackle economic hardships and support small businesses, adding that “fiscal policies should be mindful of the realities faced by many.”

The Forum expressed concern over the proposed Tax Reform Bill, citing its potential impact on northern interests, particularly the suggested shift to a derivation-based VAT model. According to the communiqué, this model disadvantages the North, as VAT is typically remitted based on companies’ headquarters rather than the regions where goods and services are consumed. As a result, the leaders urged Northern representatives in the National Assembly to oppose the bill.

The communiqué also commended recent security gains, especially efforts led by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa, while calling for more support to address ongoing challenges. Additionally, the Forum resolved to support agriculture and livestock reforms, address energy issues, tackle educational setbacks, and build climate resilience to ensure sustainable regional development.