June 12: Has the North truly benefited from democracy?

By Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua

Over two decades after Nigeria’s return to democratic, the expected transformation of the northern region into an economic and social hub remains largely unrealised. A critical share of the responsibility lies with the region’s leadership. Over the years, insufficient investment in education, skills development and job creation has left a large population of young people without opportunities. This growing pool of unengaged and undereducated youth has, in turn, heightened social tensions and contributed to instability across the region.
Since the return of democracy in 1999—precisely 27 years ago—democratic governance in Nigeria has continued to evolve, reflecting both the strengths and shortcomings of the system. Within this period, Nigeria has conducted seven uninterrupted general elections, a notable achievement in its political history. In the coming months, Nigerians will once again head to the polls to elect new leaders for another four-year term. The electoral umpire, INEC, has already released the election timetable, while political parties have concluded their primaries in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
However, after over two decades of democratic rule, critical questions persist, particularly among Northern Nigerians: To what extent has democracy benefited the North—the largest political bloc with 19 states and significant voting strength? Has the region truly gained from 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance?
The answer is not straightforward. While democracy has brought some gains, the region continues to grapple with deep-seated challenges that raise concerns about its overall impact.Once a flourishing and economically vibrant region, Northern Nigeria is now battling a myriad of problems, including poverty, unemployment and widespread insecurity.
Agriculture, which forms the backbone of the region’s economy, has suffered significant setbacks. Persistent attacks by non-state actors have forced rural farmers to abandon their ancestral lands. In many communities, farming activities have been disrupted by banditry, with some farmers compelled to pay levies to access their own farmlands. Those unable to comply often lose both their livelihoods and their safety. Government policies have also contributed to the sector’s decline. The decision by the current administrations to open borders for the importation of certain staple grains has undermined local agricultural production. Farmers are now forced to compete with imported, often subsidized, goods, making it difficult to sustain their businesses. Additionally, the high cost of fertilizers, pesticides, and farm equipment—exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies—has further increased the burden on farmers. Despite these challenges, farmers are often compelled to sell their produce at low prices, leading to significant financial losses. These losses have far-reaching consequences, including deepening poverty, rising unemployment and ultimately, an escalation in insecurity across the region.
Education, which is critical to societal development and economic advancement, is also under severe threat in Northern Nigeria. The region continues to face issues such as underfunding, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified teachers. It is widely acknowledged that Northern Nigeria has one of the highest rates of out-of-school children in the country.
Even for parents who prioritize education, fear has become a constant concern. The increasing incidence of school abductions has created a climate of insecurity within the education sector. These coordinated attacks on schools have instilled fear among parents and guardians, discouraging school attendance and undermining efforts to improve literacy and human capital development.
This trend is particularly troubling given the government’s introduction of initiatives such as the Safe Schools Initiative, which was designed to protect students and educational institutions. However, the persistence of these attacks raises questions about the effectiveness of such interventions. Over two decades after Nigeria’s return to democratic,the expected transformation of the northern region into an economic and social hub remains largely unrealised. A critical share of the responsibility lies with the region’s leadership. Over the years, insufficient investment in education, skills development and job creation has left a large population of young people without opportunities. This growing pool of unengaged and undereducated youth has, in turn, heightened social tensions and contributed to instability across the region.
It has become pertinent for the leaders of the region to sit up and address the underlying causes of region’s underdevelopment. The 27 years of democracy has not provided the needed dividends to catapult north into enviable height of socioeconomic development.
Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua writes in from Kaduna State. 08169056963.