President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will ensure balanced development across all regions of the country, leaving no area behind.
The President gave the assurance on Tuesday in Kaduna during a two-day interactive session on government-citizens’ engagement organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu stated that the ministers’ interactions at the event would provide empirical evidence that the North has not been neglected.
Highlighting achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu outlined interventions across economic reforms, education, health, security, infrastructure, and food security. On economic reforms, he noted bold measures including exchange rate unification and debt restructuring to stabilize and grow the economy.
The President emphasized investments in modernizing security equipment and upskilling personnel, while listing major infrastructure projects such as: The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway; The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway; Ongoing rail projects (Kano-Maradi, Port Harcourt-Maiduguri); Housing initiatives.
A high-powered Federal Government delegation accompanied Akume, comprising ministers, agency directors-general, and top political aides from across Nigeria.
Tinubu outlined the Renewed Hope Agenda’s priorities: Economic reforms for sustained growth; Strengthening national security; Boosting agriculture for food security; Unlocking energy and natural resources; Enhancing infrastructure and transportation; Improving education, health, and social investment; Industrialization and innovation; Effective governance and service delivery.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, though painful, has been a necessary reform that saved trillions of Naira,” Tinubu stated. “The Palliative Measures Plan and interventions through state governments, MSME support, and public transportation upgrades are mitigating the impacts. The savings are now being redirected into critical infrastructure and human development, while states are receiving increased allocations for development.”
Reflecting on the event’s theme – ‘Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Development’ – Tinubu described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a pragmatic vision built on pillars of good governance, transparency, accountability, participation, responsiveness, equity, rule of law, and inclusivity.
“The economic reform strategies are designed to create a robust, diversified, and resilient economy,” he said. “By fostering an environment conducive to investment and innovation, the administration aims to stimulate growth across all sectors, reduce unemployment, and ensure equitable wealth distribution.”
On security, Tinubu stated: “Security is the bedrock of national development. The focus here is on enhancing the capabilities of our security forces, promoting peace and stability, and ensuring that every Nigerian feels safe and protected, no matter where they reside.”
Regarding agriculture, he noted: “Agriculture holds the key to our nation’s self-sufficiency and economic empowerment. By modernizing farming practices, increasing access to finance, and expanding market opportunities for farmers, this administration places Nigeria on a path to achieving food security and transforming our country into an agricultural powerhouse.”
Tinubu revealed that over 400,000 tertiary students have benefited from the Students’ Loan Programme, with about N53 billion disbursed. He called for patience and collective effort in achieving the agenda’s goals.
The President paid tribute to the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Northern Nigeria’s Premier, describing him as “a phenomenal being who promoted national cohesion and unity in Nigeria.” He also honored other leaders including Chief Solomon Lar, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Shehu Dan Musa, Abubakar Rimi, Prof. Suleman Kumo, Issac Shaahu, and Prof. Jerry Gana for their courage and patriotism.
