By Ibrahim Musa kallah, writing from Katsina
The revival of industries plays a vital role in boosting economic prosperity, creating employment opportunities, and improving the general well-being of citizens.
In the past, Northern Nigeria was known for its vibrant industrial sector. For instance, during earlier years, one could easily find employment in states like Kano even with just a primary school certificate. Similarly, Kaduna was home to numerous thriving industries such as United Nigerian Textile, Arewa Textile, Kaduna Textile, and Funtua Textile, which operated under the supervision and support of the Northern State Governments.
At that time, each textile company employed more than 10,000 workers, providing a stable source of livelihood for thousands of families. The employees depended on these industries for their salaries and overall welfare. Unfortunately, most of these industries have now collapsed their factories locked up, overtaken by rodents and reptiles instead of productive activities.
It is therefore imperative for the government to take decisive action by convening a summit of key stakeholders in commerce and industry, alongside foreign investors and experts, to explore the possibilities of reviving these collapsed industries across Northern Nigeria. Revitalizing them would significantly improve the economy, reduce unemployment, and enhance the standard of living of citizens.
Nigeria is a nation richly endowed with both natural and human resources. It is high time we established and strengthened our indigenous companies capable of producing goods locally and exporting them abroad. Overdependence on crude oil as our major source of revenue has been one of the primary reasons for the decline of our industries. The lack of focus on processing and utilizing our abundant natural resources has also contributed to the stagnation of the manufacturing sector.
In Katsina State, for instance, there are industries such as the Cotton Ginnery, Steel Rolling Mill, and Funtua Textile Company that could be revived and repositioned to generate employment and boost the local economy. Similar opportunities exist in other Northern states, each blessed with unique natural endowments that can support various industrial activities.
As the Hausa proverb says, “Arziki yana gonar yaro” “Wealth lies in the youth’s farm.” This emphasizes the importance of hard work, productivity, and resourcefulness. Our leaders must therefore redouble their efforts toward the revival of industries and the development of the manufacturing sector as a sustainable means of advancing our economy.
The developed nations of the world achieved their growth through industrialization and the expansion of commerce. For Nigeria particularly Northern Nigeria — to progress, we must follow the same path: revive our industries, empower our citizens, and promote self-reliance and productivity for the prosperity of all.
Finally, I would like to commend the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda for their commitment to reviving our nation’s economy. Governor Dikko Umar Radda, in particular, deserves special recognition for his tireless dedication and visionary leadership in transforming Katsina State. His continuous efforts to make things better reflect true passion for progress and the well-being of his people.
