National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has warned against the derailment of the north economic development agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
He reaffirmed that the deliberate and strategic investments of the president 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.
Yilwatda noted in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Information Strategy), Abimbola Tooki, that the scale, depth, and intentionality of ongoing Federal Government interventions underscored a clear commitment to repositioning the North as a hub of productivity, trade, education, and infrastructure-driven growth.
The APC national chairman emphasised that the Northern Region, given its geographical advantage and economic potential, was strategically positioned to serve as a gateway to neighbouring countries like 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,” he said
Professor Yilwatda highlighted several ongoing and planned infrastructure projects that were critical to the transformation of the North.
These, he said, included 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.
Yilwatda noted that these projects were 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).
On education, the APC national chairman described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a landmark intervention that will 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,” Yilwatda stated.
The APC national chairman further pointed to renewed focus of the Federal Government on the revitalisation of agriculture as a cornerstone of northern development.
He noted that enhanced security measures, combined with targeted support for farmers, were 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.
He efforts on the revitalisation of dams and irrigation infrastructure will not only feed the nation, but also position the North as a leading exporter of agricultural products to neighbouring countries.
Professor Yilwatda called on all stakeholders in the Northern Region, including traditional rulers, political leaders, youth groups, business communities, and civil society, to rally behind the Tinubu administration to ensure the successful implementation of the transformative initiatives.
He cautioned against the actions of those he called self-serving politicians whose ambitions, he added, 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 said.
The APC national chairman 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 Sani Abacha era.
According to him, “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.”
Professor Yilwatda expressed concern over what he described as lack of cohesion and credibility within 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.
Yilwatda restated that the development agenda of the Tinubu administration for the North was not only genuine but also unprecedented in scope and impact.
He assured stakeholders that APC remained committed to delivering tangible results that will 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.
