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The revival of Nigeria’s industries is not merely an economic ambition — it is a national necessity. Industrial rejuvenation remains central to achieving prosperity, creating meaningful employment, and improving the living standards of citizens.

In decades past, Northern Nigeria stood tall as an industrial hub, a region alive with productive energy and opportunities. In those days, cities like Kano were economic beacons where one could secure a decent job even with a primary school certificate.

Kaduna, too, was home to flourishing textile giants such as United Nigerian Textiles, Arewa Textiles, Kaduna Textiles, and Funtua Textiles — all operating under the watchful supervision and support of the then Northern State Governments.

Each of these companies employed more than 10,000 workers, serving as a lifeline for countless families. They paid salaries that sustained households and communities, driving both social stability and economic vitality.

Today, however, the once-bustling factories stand silent — their gates rusting, their machines idle, their premises overrun by rodents and reptiles where productive workers once toiled.

This decline represents not just the collapse of factories but the erosion of livelihoods and aspirations. It is therefore imperative for government at all levels to take decisive action.

A high-level summit bringing together key stakeholders in commerce and industry — alongside foreign investors, economists, and industrial experts — is urgently needed to design a comprehensive roadmap for reviving moribund industries across Northern Nigeria.

Industrial revival would not only breathe life back into the economy but also address the persistent unemployment crisis and improve citizens’ welfare. Nigeria is blessed with vast natural and human resources, yet remains over-dependent on crude oil revenues.

This narrow economic base has stifled industrial growth and discouraged the development of indigenous enterprises capable of producing and exporting goods.

To reverse this trend, we must refocus on harnessing and processing our abundant raw materials. In Katsina State, for instance, industries such as the Cotton Ginnery, the Steel Rolling Mill, and Funtua Textiles can be revitalized and repositioned to provide jobs and stimulate the local economy.

Similar opportunities abound across the North, with each state possessing unique natural endowments suited for diverse industrial activities — from agriculture to solid minerals and manufacturing.

As a Hausa proverb wisely says, “Arziki yana gonar yaro” — “Wealth lies in the youth’s farm.” This timeless truth underscores the importance of hard work, productivity, and resourcefulness. Our leaders must therefore redouble their commitment to reviving industries and nurturing a robust manufacturing sector that guarantees sustainable economic progress.

History shows that developed nations built their prosperity on the back of industrialization and expanded commerce. For Nigeria — and especially Northern Nigeria — to achieve similar transformation, we must follow that same path: rebuild our industries, empower our citizens, and promote self-reliance and productivity for the collective good.

Finally, it is only fitting to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda toward revitalizing the economy. Governor Radda, in particular, deserves commendation for his visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of progress in Katsina State.

His commitment to economic transformation and social development reflects a deep passion for the welfare of his people and a genuine desire to build a prosperous future for all.

*Ibrahim Musa Kallah writesl from Katsina

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