The Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Development Company, NNDC, Alhaji Lamis Dikko, has raised concern over rising poverty in the North, warning that 19 northern states are facing severe socio-economic challenges.
Speaking at the ongoing Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialization Summit in Abuja, Dikko said poverty levels in the region stand above 60 percent, with states such as Zamfara and Sokoto recording more than 80 percent, compared to about 30 percent in the South.
He noted that traditional development approaches have failed, stressing the need to embed technology, digital infrastructure, and innovation across sectors.
According to him, closing the digital gap is crucial, as internet penetration in Nigeria is about 48 percent while many rural and northern communities remain offline, leaving more than 60 million people excluded.
Dikko warned that without urgent action, the North risks being left out of the projected $15.7 trillion global AI-driven economy by 2030. He called for expansion of affordable broadband, smartphone access, and reliable electricity as growth drivers.
On agriculture, he said the sector, the backbone of the North’s economy, has been limited by outdated practices. He argued that adopting digital agriculture tools such as drones, sensors, and AI-driven data analysis could improve yields and reduce losses.
He also identified energy poverty as a major obstacle, noting that unreliable power supply continues to cripple development. He called for investment in smart grid systems and renewable energy to modernize power distribution and cut losses.
Dikko stressed the need for regional cooperation, digital literacy programs, and empowerment of women and rural communities to ensure inclusive growth.
