The Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has stated clearly that Northern Nigeria is in distress, facing the collapse of critical infrastructure.
The region struggles with unreliable electricity, deteriorating roads, insecurity, and a generation of youth who lack jobs and hope for the future, the group said.
This declaration was made by the President of BACCIMA, Hon. Aminu Danmaliki, during a press conference in Bauchi on Wednesday.
According to him, “This situation reflects a deep sense of marginalization and systematic neglect that many Northern Nigerians are feeling. But today, we say: enough is enough. We are not here to cry. We are here to lead. To propose solutions. To demand equity. And to take responsibility for shaping our own future.”
“Thank God we have survived the onslaught of the Boko Haram that have killed and maimed hundreds of thousands of Nigerians, majority of whom were Muslims. The scourge of Boko Haram is not organic to our people. It is being fueled by forces outside the North, with cohorts within Nigeria led by America and their western allies which not only destroyed lives, driven away investors, but also crippled our local economies with the sole aim of destroying the North.”
“Our economy cannot develop in fear. We call on the Federal Government, Intelligent Agencies and our International Partners to investigate and expose the sponsors of insecurity which the Federal Government knows them, the North must be safe for growth,” he added.
Danmaliki stressed that the “Peace is not a privilege – it is a right. Furthermore, the oil discovered in Kolmani in Bauchi State which was commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari after spending billions of Dollars was thrown overboard for political reason by President Tinubu, shamelessly, the lifting of the oil has been denied. Why has this administration done this? We demand action and accountability.”
“In addition, the Northern Nigeria has been totally sidelined and removed from CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Presidential Initiative which present a significant opportunity to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape and promote environmental sustainability, it is unfortunate that Northern Stakeholders, particularly indigenous investors and operators, have been sidelined in the process, contrary to the constitutional provision of Federal Character.”
“We therefore call for an equitable expansion of CNG infrastructure including refueling stations, conversion centers, training hubs, and support services across Northern Nigeria to ensure national inclusivity, energy transition fairness, and economic development,” he concluded.
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