Insecurity in the North: Gov Uba Sani Says Poverty, Not Terrorism, Is the Real Threat

 

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has raised a crucial point that is often overlooked in Nigeria’s national conversation: the root causes of insecurity in Northern Nigeria are not just about criminality or terrorism — they are deeply tied to poverty, unemployment, and economic exclusion. In a revealing interview with Channels Television on Sunday, May 18, Governor Sani emphasized that unless the region’s economic crisis is addressed comprehensively and urgently, Northern Nigeria will continue to grapple with unrest and violence.

This candid insight from the Kaduna State Governor sheds light on a reality that many Nigerians live with daily, particularly those in the rural and underdeveloped areas of the North. As insecurity continues to plague many parts of the country, especially in the North-West and North-East, understanding the economic root causes becomes vital for crafting real, long-term solutions.

“Insecurity is largely an economic issue” — Uba Sani

Governor Sani, who previously served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, revealed in the interview that his perspective on the issue is informed by data, policy experience, and engagement with international development partners.

“This problem of insecurity, I can tell you, is largely an economic issue — poverty, unemployment. That is the reason why our people can easily be recruited by these bandits,” he stated.

This statement underscores a growing consensus among experts and policymakers that insecurity cannot be solved through military force alone. The socio-economic conditions that fuel unrest must be tackled head-on. The widespread poverty, lack of access to education, and unemployment in many parts of the North make young people especially vulnerable to manipulation by insurgents, bandits, and criminal gangs.

The Connection Between Out-of-School Children and Insecurity

Governor Sani supported his point with disturbing statistics, particularly about the education crisis in the North. He cited data from UNICEF and the World Bank which indicate that Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally — and the majority of them are in the North.

“Today, we are addressing the problem gradually. Two months ago, I sat down with the Vice President of the World Bank. We looked at the UNICEF statistics. I can tell you — out of the 18.2 million out-of-school children today, the North is responsible for about 70% of that number.”

This staggering number reveals a deeper crisis — a generation of children growing up without access to formal education, and by extension, without access to opportunities that can lead them to a better life. In regions where basic literacy is low and vocational training is almost non-existent, idle youth become easy targets for criminal recruitment. Governor Sani highlighted that while there has been some improvement in tackling the issue, much work remains.

“There are improvements in taking out-of-school children; the figure is different, and we are addressing the problem gradually,” he added.

Fixing the North Requires Long-Term Vision

While he acknowledged progress, Governor Sani was also brutally honest about the challenges ahead. He stressed that reversing decades of economic and educational neglect in Northern Nigeria will not happen overnight.

“Things are getting better, but nobody can tell you we can address this problem even in the next ten years — and I will tell you why. Because I’m a very realistic person. This problem didn’t start two years ago. It started many years back because we were docile. We did not approach the issue holistically. We had the opportunity to push in the past — but we didn’t do it.”

This is a powerful admission — and a rare one from a sitting public official. For years, many leaders have failed to prioritize the structural issues affecting the North, focusing instead on short-term or cosmetic solutions. Governor Sani’s comments suggest a shift toward long-term, strategic thinking — something that could finally begin to move the region out of crisis.

A Collective Effort Is Now Underway

Despite the challenges, Governor Sani expressed optimism that the political leadership across the North is now more united in its approach to solving the region’s insecurity crisis.

“The North needs to sit down and face this reality if we want to bring back the glory of our zone. But I am happy that everyone, from the ministers to the senators, House of Representatives members, and governors, we are all on the same page for the first time.”

This alignment among Northern leaders is a promising sign. Unity in vision and purpose is critical if long-term development programs are to be implemented effectively. A divided leadership often results in inconsistent policies and missed opportunities — something the North can no longer afford.

No More Quick Fixes — Addressing Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms

Governor Sani warned against relying solely on military or emergency relief measures to solve the crisis. He was clear that giving palliatives or launching military operations alone cannot eliminate the root causes of insecurity.

“We cannot win insecurity through a kinetic approach, nor through giving people palliatives. We must look at the drivers and symptoms. We have to address the gap in terms of economic prosperity between our people in urban areas and those in rural communities,” he said.

This quote hits at the heart of sustainable development. Many rural communities in the North are significantly underdeveloped compared to urban areas. Poor infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, lack of clean water, and little to no economic opportunity mean these communities are often forgotten in national development plans. To achieve lasting peace, bridging this development gap is essential.

What Can Be Done: Key Areas of Focus for Northern Nigeria

Based on Governor Sani’s statements and the realities on the ground, here are a few key areas that must be addressed:

1. Massive Investment in Education

With over 70% of Nigeria’s out-of-school children residing in the North, urgent investment in primary and secondary education is critical. This includes building more schools, training teachers, and removing cultural and economic barriers to education — especially for girls.

2. Job Creation and Skill Development

Unemployment among youth is a ticking time bomb. The government must work with the private sector to create jobs and empower young people with vocational and digital skills that make them employable in the modern economy.

3. Agricultural Development

Many parts of the North are rich in agricultural potential. Supporting farmers with tools, financing, and access to markets can stimulate rural economies and provide sustainable livelihoods.

4. Infrastructure and Rural Development

Rural areas need good roads, electricity, clean water, and healthcare. Developing these areas can reduce migration pressure on urban centers and improve living conditions for millions.

5. Community Policing and Intelligence Gathering

Security efforts must be community-driven. Involving local leaders, vigilante groups, and civil society organizations in intelligence gathering can lead to more effective security outcomes.

Final Thoughts: The Time to Act is Now

Governor Uba Sani’s remarks serve as a wake-up call to Nigeria — and especially to the North. It is no longer enough to rely on security operations or to distribute palliatives during crises. The root causes — poverty, unemployment, and economic exclusion — must be tackled directly and urgently.

By investing in people, especially the youth, and by creating economic opportunities, the North can begin to break the cycle of violence and instability. It will not be easy, and it won’t be fast, but as Governor Sani rightly said, “we must face this reality” if we are truly serious about restoring peace and prosperity to the region.