Former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi has called on Nigerian leaders to confront the growing challenges of injustice, poverty, and insecurity with urgency and honesty. Speaking during a meeting with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Amaechi shared his concerns about the country’s worsening social and economic conditions.
In a video shared on November 22, 2025, Amaechi thanked northern leaders for recognizing his contributions, clarifying that the infrastructure projects he oversaw in the region such as the Kano-Kaduna rail, Kano Maradi rail, and Abuja-Kaduna rail were part of his national duty, not personal favors.
He emphasized that unity must go beyond regional slogans and be reflected in fair treatment across all parts of Nigeria. “We are a nation,” he said. “The justice that is being served in Abuja must be served in the southeast, the north, the southwest, and the south-south.”
Addressing criticism of President Bola Tinubu, Amaechi defended the president against claims of favoritism but pointed out that the real issue is that only a few people are benefiting from the current administration. “Very few individuals are enjoying this government and the rest of us are suffering. Nigerians are dying of hunger,” he said.
Amaechi also criticized the government’s decision to shut down schools due to insecurity, warning that it worsens the already high number of out-of-school children. “Instead of solving the problem, we’re adding to it. More than 60% of those out of school are in the north, and the government doesn’t seem concerned,” he said.
He warned that neglecting people’s economic needs could push them toward crime. “When people are denied economic rights, they create their own alternatives like kidnapping,” he said.
On the issue of national security, Amaechi expressed deep concern, saying the government is struggling to protect its citizens. “Today, the Nigerian government is not able to protect anybody,” he declared.
He urged the ACF and other regional leaders to take the lead in building bridges across Nigeria’s political and ethnic divides. “Arewa should go further and work with other Nigerians to find solutions to what’s happening in the country,” he concluded.
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