In a recent statement, Yakubu Dogara, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, made a sharp critique of northern leadership, particularly in relation to President Bola Tinubu’s decision to create the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries for the northern region of Nigeria. Dogara’s comments have sparked conversation and raised questions about the long term implications of such a decision on Nigeria’s federal structure, economic distribution, and the evolving relationship between the northern and southern parts of the country.
Dogara’s assertion that no Northern leader will ever do what Tinubu has done by creating the Livestock Ministry for the North speaks to his belief that northern leadership has historically been hesitant to make bold, region specific policy decisions that could challenge the status quo. This remark implies that, in his view, President Tinubu's decision to create the ministry represents a level of political foresight and boldness rarely seen from leaders in the northern part of the country.
The creation of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, which is primarily focused on the development of livestock farming, is seen as a measure to address one of the major economic and security issues facing northern Nigeria. With issues such as the herder farmer conflicts, rural unemployment, and the need for economic diversification, the establishment of the ministry could be seen as an attempt to tackle these challenges head on by creating a more sustainable and structured approach to livestock management.
Dogara’s statement also touches on a broader issue of resource allocation and the way that Nigeria’s wealth is distributed among its regions. He draws attention to the issue of Value Added Tax (VAT), stating that if we get it right, the North won't need to share VAT from another state.This reflects his frustration with the current economic system, where states with limited resources are dependent on federal allocations or sharing of VAT from more economically prosperous regions, particularly the southern states.
In essence, Dogara is suggesting that if the northern region can properly harness its agricultural and economic potential through initiatives like the Livestock Ministry it can reduce its reliance on federal handouts or the redistribution of wealth from other states. This view aligns with calls for economic self sufficiency, particularly in the north, which has faced long standing developmental challenges. Dogara seems to be advocating for a model in which the north develops its resources independently, ultimately contributing more to the national coffers rather than relying on the southern states for financial support.
Dogara’s remarks bring to light the broader conversation about regional economic empowerment and the need for a balanced approach to Nigeria’s federal structure. For decades, northern Nigeria has struggled with poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment, particularly in the rural areas. The north’s reliance on agriculture, particularly livestock farming, has faced numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, and limited access to markets.
By establishing the Livestock Ministry, Tinubu’s administration has taken a step toward addressing some of these challenges. However, Dogara’s statement points to the fact that the success of such an initiative is contingent upon strategic planning, effective governance, and the long term commitment of both the federal and state governments to invest in the region’s economic future.
If the north can successfully harness the potential of its livestock sector, it could significantly reduce the region’s dependency on federal allocations and position itself as a key contributor to Nigeria’s overall economic growth. This would not only benefit the north but could also pave the way for a more equitable distribution of resources across the country.
While Dogara’s comments may be seen as critical, they underscore an important conversation about Nigeria’s future. The focus on regional development, self reliance, and the need for policies that address the specific needs of each region is crucial for the country’s overall prosperity. Tinubu’s decision to create the Livestock Ministry is a step in the right direction, but its success will depend on how well the northern states, as well as the federal government, implement and support policies that encourage growth and development in the livestock sector.
Nigeria’s diverse regions have unique needs, and fostering regional empowerment will require a nuanced approach that balances the development of the north, south, east, and west. In this context, Dogara’s remarks can be interpreted as a call to action for northern leaders to think beyond the traditional structures and take bold, decisive steps toward sustainable economic growth.
Yakubu Dogara’s comments serve as both a critique and a challenge to the northern leadership. By highlighting the creation of the Livestock Ministry and its potential to shift the economic dynamics of the region, he emphasizes the need for northern Nigeria to move beyond reliance on federal allocations and develop its own economic strength. Whether or not this vision becomes a reality depends on the commitment of all levels of government to embrace bold, innovative policies that empower each region to thrive.
If Nigeria can successfully implement region specific policies and empower its people with the tools to create sustainable, localized economies, the country may finally achieve the long sought after balance that would ensure greater prosperity, unity, and self reliance across all regions.