Yilwatda warns against derailment of north economic renewal agenda

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has reaffirmed that the deliberate and strategic investments of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in Northern Nigeria were designed to transform the region into a formidable economic bloc and a model of development for neighbouring countries across West and Central Africa.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC national chairman noted that the scale, depth and intentionality of the ongoing Federal Government interventions underscore a clear commitment to repositioning the North as a hub of productivity, trade, education and infrastructure-driven growth.

Professor Yilwatda emphasised that the Northern region, given its geographical advantage and economic potential, is strategically positioned to serve as a gateway to neighbouring countries such as Niger Republic, Chad, Cameroon and Benin Republic.

He stated that the ongoing infrastructure revolution, spanning roads, rail, agriculture, energy and education, will not only stimulate local economies but also deepen cross-border trade, enhance regional integration and position Northern Nigeria as a commercial nerve centre for the sub-region.

“The vision of President Bola Tinubu for Northern Nigeria goes beyond politics; it is a well-thought-out economic and developmental strategy aimed at unlocking the vast potential of the region.

“Within the lifetime of this administration, the North will emerge as a strong economic powerhouse, driven by infrastructure, human capital development and strategic investments.”

Professor Yilwatda highlighted several ongoing and planned infrastructure projects that are critical to the North’s transformation.

These include the expansion and rehabilitation of major road corridors linking Northern states to key commercial hubs, facilitating seamless movement of goods and people, the ongoing rail modernisation projects, including extensions that connect Northern cities to ports and southern markets, thereby reducing logistics costs and boosting trade competitiveness, strategic investments in energy infrastructure aimed at improving power supply to industrial clusters and rural communities across the region and the development of agricultural value chains through irrigation projects, mechanisation support and agro-processing zones to ensure food security and export readiness.

He noted that these projects are not isolated initiatives but part of a coordinated national strategy to integrate the North into global value chains, while strengthening its role within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The APC National Chairman described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a landmark intervention that would significantly expand access to tertiary education for Northern youths.

He explained that NELFUND was structured to remove financial barriers that have historically limited educational attainment in the region, ensuring that no qualified student is denied higher education due to lack of funds. This, he said, will lead to a more educated, skilled and competitive workforce capable of driving innovation and economic growth.

“Education is the backbone of sustainable development. With NELFUND, the children of the North now have a clear pathway to tertiary education, regardless of their socio-economic background.

This is a transformational policy that will redefine the future of the region.”

He further pointed to renewed federal focus on agriculture as a cornerstone of Northern development.

He noted that enhanced security measures, combined with targeted support for farmers, are gradually restoring confidence in rural communities and boosting agricultural productivity.

He added that the administration was prioritising food security through large-scale farming initiatives, support for livestock development and modern ranching systems, access to financing for farmers and agribusinesses and revitalisation of dams and irrigation infrastructure.

These efforts, he said, would not only feed the nation but also position the North as a leading exporter of agricultural products to neighbouring countries.

He called on all stakeholders in the Northern region, traditional rulers, political leaders, youth groups, business communities and civil society, to rally behind the Tinubu administration to ensure the successful implementation of these transformative initiatives.

He cautioned against the actions of self-serving politicians whose ambitions, he said, could derail the progress being made.

“This is a defining moment for the North and for Nigeria. We must not allow narrow personal interests to truncate a historic opportunity for regional transformation. The future we seek requires collective commitment and unity of purpose.”

He also described President Tinubu as a resilient democrat who has consistently stood on the side of history, dating back to the struggle against military rule during the Abacha era.

“President Tinubu is a dogged fighter for democracy, a man whose political journey has been defined by courage, vision and consistency. His commitment to national development is unquestionable and his plans for the North are evidence of his inclusive leadership.”

He expressed concern over what he described as the lack of cohesion and credibility within the opposition ranks, noting that their inability to effectively manage their internal affairs raises serious doubts about their capacity to govern.

“Their actions have exposed them as unreliable. They cannot organise or administer their own political parties, yet they aspire to lead a complex nation like Nigeria. As soon as they jump into a political party, they destroy it when they realise that their inordinate ambition could not be met and move to the next party. Entrusting them with power would risk taking the country several years backward,” he stated.

He reiterated that the Tinubu administration’s Northern development agenda is not only genuine but also unprecedented in scope and impact.

He assured stakeholders that the APC remains committed to delivering tangible results that would uplift the region and secure a prosperous future for generations to come.

“The North is on the path to renewal. With sustained support, visionary leadership and collective responsibility, we will build a region that stands tall, not just within Nigeria, but across Africa,” he affirmed.