The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, has called for the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) to undergo a transformative strategic reset.

Speaking at the conclusion of a two-day retreat in Abuja, the governor emphasized that the regional investment body must evolve to address the pressing economic challenges facing Northern Nigeria or risk becoming obsolete.

Represented by the Director-General of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Ezekiel Gomos, Governor Yahaya argued that the NNDC is too critical to the North’s economic future to continue operating below its potential. He characterized the current economic climate marked by high unemployment, economic strain, and insecurity as an urgent signal that the NNDC must transition from a passive legacy institution into a robust engine of regional recovery.

The governor explicitly called for a “hard-nosed” reassessment of the company’s operations, urging the board and management to prioritize innovation and commercial viability over internal disputes.

He stressed that the era of mere discussion must yield to decisive action, demanding that the organization pursue growth-oriented investments rather than relying on repeated requests for intervention funds.

A key pillar of Governor Yahaya’s directive involves embracing the digital economy. He urged the NNDC to aggressively pursue opportunities in ICT, fintech, and innovation-driven enterprises, noting that failing to leverage the untapped entrepreneurial potential of the North’s youth population would be a significant missed opportunity.

Furthermore, the governor drew a direct connection between regional stability and economic performance, asserting that insecurity cannot be effectively addressed without creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities.

He maintained that the NNDC must focus on generating employment and boosting productivity to restore hope across the region.

In alignment with these sentiments, NNDC Chairman Lamis Dikko reaffirmed the company’s commitment to a strategic reset, signaling plans to reposition the entity as a more effective holding company. Other stakeholders, including former Group Managing Director Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, emphasized that difficult decisions will be necessary to realign the company with its founding purpose and future goals.