By Faridat Salifu
The Arewa Dignity Advancement Initiative (ArDA) has warned that Northern Nigeria is facing a dangerous mix of insecurity, economic exploitation, and declining agriculture.
In a statement issued recently by its Chairperson, Baheejah Mahmood, and Secretary, Abubakar Muhammad, ArDA urged urgent and innovative solutions to ease the hardships faced by the average citizen.
The group cited inflation, unemployment, deteriorating living standards, insurgency, terrorism, and banditry as some of the critical challenges confronting Northern states.
ArDA also raised concern about regional disparities, highlighting limited access to education, healthcare, public infrastructure, economic inclusion, and political participation as factors deepening inequality.
The organisation criticised the federal government’s continued borrowing, aggressive taxation, and fuel subsidy removal, warning that such policies weaken core sectors like agriculture that sustain the region.
ArDA said heavy taxation without strategic redistribution or cushioning programmes has worsened market distortions, weakened food production, and eroded democratic dividends.
The group urged Nigerians to pray for divine intervention and called on both federal and state governments to implement policies that support farmers, empower youth and women, and strengthen traditional institutions.
ArDA warned that if left unaddressed, the compounding political, social, and economic challenges could trigger social unrest and further destabilise the region.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to defending dignity, promoting unity, and supporting development initiatives across the 19 Northern states and the FCT.