President Tinubu Identifies North as Major Gainer from Economic Reforms

President Bola Tinubu recently stated that his administration’s economic adjustments have positioned Northern Nigeria as the leading recipient of benefits. He argued that eliminating fuel subsidies was crucial in saving the country from severe financial difficulties, allowing public funds to be channeled into essential infrastructure and key productive areas. This assertion by the President was conveyed on Tuesday in Abuja by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, who spoke on Tinubu's behalf at the second Policy Roundtable event, organized by the APC Professionals Forum and dubbed 'The Asiwaju Scorecard Series'.

Detailing the economic direction of his government, President Tinubu pointed to significant macroeconomic improvements. He reported that Nigeria’s gross external reserves had climbed to about $52.7 billion by August 2026, and the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) saw a 4.43 percent increase in the second quarter of 2026, with inflation showing signs of slowing towards 15.4 percent. Connecting these developments to his administration's ambitious goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030, the President specifically mentioned major infrastructure initiatives like the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Lagos-Kano rail line, and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, describing them as transformative projects for the Northern region.

President Tinubu further articulated his vision, stating, 'The biggest beneficiaries of this economy will be the Northern part of Nigeria, because they will now be trading with countries, trading with Niger, trading with Chad, trading with Burkina Faso, trading with Southern Sudan, trading with Northern Cameroon, trading with Central African Republic… The North is the next business destination of Nigeria.'

However, the President's assertion sparked varied responses from key regional bodies. Both the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) dismissed the evaluation, contending that the current economic strategies have worsened poverty, inflation, and the cost of living for people in Northern states. In contrast, the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) expressed support for the government’s achievements, asserting that President Tinubu’s foundational reforms and the equitable distribution of infrastructure mark a significant step forward compared to prior administrations.

Meanwhile, as the 2027 general elections approach, the APC leadership also took aim at promises made by opposition figures, such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, regarding the potential reintroduction of fuel subsidies. Dr. Isa Yuguda, who chairs the Board of Trustees for the APC Professionals Forum, cautioned that reverting to the previous subsidy system could reintroduce significant financial loopholes and jeopardize the financial stability currently supporting critical initiatives like national student loans, border protection, and regional transportation networks.