National News – Governors from Northern Nigeria, led by Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, have called for a major overhaul of the New Nigeria Development Company Limited (NNDC) to revive the region’s struggling economy.
The call was made at a two-day retreat in Abuja on April 24, 2026, where policymakers and economic stakeholders assessed the company’s performance and future direction.
The governors said NNDC must move beyond its current limitations and become a driver of growth by investing in sectors like technology, infrastructure, and enterprise development.
Represented by Ezekiel Gomos, Yahaya stressed that persistent unemployment, insecurity, and weak investor confidence demand urgent and practical economic solutions.
The push for reform comes as Northern Nigeria faces mounting socio-economic pressure.
Analysts say the region’s youthful population presents both a risk and an opportunity, depending on whether institutions like NNDC can create jobs and stimulate innovation.
According to economic observers in Abuja, failure to act could deepen instability, while decisive reforms could reposition the North as a hub for digital entrepreneurship and industrial growth.
Local reactions have been mixed. Some business owners welcomed the proposal, saying NNDC has long underperformed relative to its mandate.
Others expressed skepticism, citing years of unfulfilled promises and internal disputes. “We’ve heard this before.
What matters now is execution,” a Kaduna-based entrepreneur noted.
NNDC Chairman, Lamis Dikko, acknowledged the concerns and signalled plans to restructure the company into a more effective holding firm.
Financial experts, including Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, also warned that difficult decisions—such as restructuring or divestment—may be necessary.
The broader implication is clear: economic revitalisation is now being framed as a security strategy.
Leaders argue that without jobs and sustainable investments, tackling insecurity in the North will remain difficult.
As pressure mounts, the real test will be whether NNDC can transition from a legacy institution into a modern, profit-driven engine of regional development.
