Minister of National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, has said that the North has no reason to regret its support for President Bola Tinubu, saying the region is adequately represented and involved in the current administration.
Speaking on Wednesday at a technical session during the Government-Citizen Engagement Forum organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation at Arewa House, Kaduna, Bagudu dismissed claims of marginalisation of the region under the Tinubu administration.
Themed “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Unity”, the two-day session, which continues on Wednesday, drew leaders from the 19 Northern states and Abuja.
According to the former Kebbi State governor, the administration is anchored on inclusion, merit, and national unity, not ethnic or regional bias.
The Minister described President Tinubu as a nationalist whose appointments and reforms are driven by competence and a clear vision, not political patronage or sectional sentiment.
He also cautioned Northern leaders and citizens against buying into what he described as “divisive narratives”, suggesting that the region is being sidelined.
He said, “Those of us privileged to be part of President Tinubu’s team are vigilant and committed to protecting the interests of the North. There is no exclusion, and there is no basis for regret.
“This is a government of merit and inclusion. Every member of his team feels equally valued, regardless of origin.
“Yes, perception matters, but the reality is different. The North is not left out. In fact, we are deeply engaged at all levels,” Bagudu stated.
On the economic outlook, the Minister noted that the Tinubu administration inherited a distressed economy heavily reliant on borrowing and unsustainable subsidy regimes.
He argued that the government’s economic reforms—such as the removal of the fuel subsidy, foreign exchange liberalisation, and revenue restructuring—were necessary sacrifices to put the economy back on track.
“It was a tragic situation. We were subsidising what we couldn’t even pay for,” Bagudu said, recalling that Nigeria was borrowing to import fuel while running a broken fiscal system.
“These tough but necessary reforms are already yielding results. Take Adamawa State, for example: In May 2023, it received N9.76 billion in federal allocation. By June 2025, that amount had increased to N22.73 billion,” he added.
Bagudu also pointed to key institutional reforms, including the restoration of the budget office to the Ministry of National Planning and the creation of new ministries like Livestock Development, Arts and Culture, and the Blue Economy.
“These are not cosmetic changes. They are strategic steps to promote national development and broaden inclusion,” he said.
The Minister said the administration was now transitioning from macroeconomic stabilisation to inclusive growth, with renewed emphasis on poverty reduction and economic diversification across all geopolitical zones.
“This is a President who told us to imagine drawing water from a dry well—that’s how dire the situation was. But we’re now seeing signs of recovery,” he said.
He urged Northern stakeholders to become more proactive in engaging with democratic institutions, especially in shaping the national budget.
“We must articulate our needs, lobby our lawmakers, and ensure our priorities are reflected in national plans,” he said.
Bagudu also noted that global confidence in Nigeria was rebounding, citing increasing foreign interest and institutional endorsements as indicators.
“There are signs of investment, institutional approval, and renewed global belief in Nigeria’s reform trajectory,” he added.
Describing the Tinubu administration’s performance as “more than a scorecard”, the Minister called it “a covenant of progress built on loyalty to Nigeria and to the North”.
“This is just the beginning. Let us build on it. Let us work together for a North that is secure, productive, and empowered—within a strong and united Nigeria,” Bagudu added.
