The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has reaffirmed that the deliberate and strategic investments of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in Northern Nigeria are 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 signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC National Chairman noted that the scale, depth, and intentionality of 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 emphasized 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.
According to him, “The vision of President Bola Ahmed 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 modernization 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.
The development of agricultural value chains through irrigation projects, mechanization 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).
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 is 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 stated.
Professor Yilwatda 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 is prioritizing:
food security through large-scale farming initiatives; support for livestock development and modern ranching systems; access to financing for farmers and agribusinesses; as well as revitalization of dams and irrigation infrastructure.
These efforts, he said, 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, 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.
