During a comprehensive interview on Channels Television, All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Alwan Hassan presented an ambitious framework for transforming Northern Nigeria’s economic fortunes through religious and ethnic cohesion.
Hassan articulated his vision for regional transformation, emphasizing the importance of transcending divisive identities. “Let there be one religion, one tribe, and that should be northern Nigeria. Let them unite us, then the federal government will come asking us to give them,” the APC chieftain declared during the televised discussion from 3:27.
The political leader underscored the region’s significant administrative and economic infrastructure, highlighting untapped opportunities across the area. “We have 424 local governments, every one of which has economic potential to tap into. We have vast lands. We own the land in Nigeria,” Hassan stated, drawing attention to the region’s resource base.
To emphasize Northern Nigeria’s geographical scope and potential, Hassan provided a detailed description of the territory’s expanse. “Travel from here to Borno and see level down when you’re coming back, traveling from outside. See how far Borno is – that’s when you start descending. See the lands in northern Nigeria,” he explained to viewers.
However, Hassan identified sectarian violence as the critical barrier preventing the region from maximizing its agricultural capacity. “But people cannot go to farm because Christians are killing Muslims, Muslims are killing Christians,” he observed, directly linking religious conflict to economic stagnation.
Hassan’s remarks present a perspective that positions internal harmony as the foundation for Northern Nigeria’s development, suggesting that resolving interfaith tensions could unlock the region’s capacity to become economically self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to national prosperity.
