President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his commitment to ending banditry and terrorism in Northern Nigeria, declaring that no community under his administration will “bleed in silence.”
He made the remarks at the 25th Anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna, where he was represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas.
Tinubu said the country cannot move forward if the North remains insecure. He described the region as too critical to Nigeria’s stability to be left in a state of fear and frequent violence.
According to him, the administration inherited a complex security challenge, but he maintained that the government is taking deliberate and urgent steps to tackle it.
The President noted that the North is facing one of its toughest periods in history, pointing to rising insecurity, weakened communal values, and a declining moral foundation.
However, he insisted the region has not failed, saying failure will only come “when leaders abandon their responsibility to protect their people.”
Tinubu praised the Arewa Consultative Forum for its 25 years of service, describing it as a body that has consistently shaped public discourse and protected the interests of millions across the North.
He called the forum a gathering of patriots, mediators and moral voices who have played important roles in the country’s unity.
The President also said he is confident that the region is on course for an economic rebound, citing the expected oil production from the Kolmani fields and other emerging opportunities.
He highlighted several ongoing federal projects, especially major rail, road and water transport interventions.
He gave an update on the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Superhighway, saying the project is in its final stages and will be commissioned in Kano in the coming months.
Tinubu further commended the proposed ACF Endowment Fund, describing it as a forward-thinking initiative aimed at supporting girl-child education, youth empowerment, peacebuilding and conflict resolution across the region.
He urged political leaders, traditional rulers and civil society groups in the North to recommit to the founding values of the region — fairness, justice, courage and collective responsibility.
According to him, unity remains the most powerful tool for overcoming insecurity.
“With unity, there is no challenge the North cannot overcome,” he said.