The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIAN), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Northern leaders and politicians to focus on tangible development efforts rather than holding endless economic summits without meaningful outcomes.
Speaking at the maiden International Business and Investment Summit in Bauchi, the Sultan lamented that despite numerous economic conferences across Northern states in recent years, the region has seen little to no progress in industrial growth, job creation or sustainable investment.
“We have attended summits in Kaduna, Kano, Taraba, Abuja, and other places for more than a decade. We have heard inspiring speeches, signed several MoUs and made grand pronouncements. But where are the results? How many factories have reopened? How many youths are now employed? How many investors have stayed after attending these events?” he questioned.
The monarch urged Northern states to conduct a thorough review of past investment summits in Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Gombe, and Borno to uncover why many of their resolutions have failed to produce results.
He identified major obstacles such as poor follow-up mechanisms, weak monitoring structures, policy inconsistencies, inadequate infrastructure, and persistent insecurity, all of which have discouraged investors.
“We must move from promises to progress. Every MoU signed should lead to visible outcomes. Investors should not leave with only handshakes. We must build an environment where investments can truly thrive with good roads, stable electricity, and effective security,” the Sultan emphasised.
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