The Minister of National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, has assured Northern stakeholders that the region remains fully integrated into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking during a technical session at the Government-Citizens Engagement organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation at Arewa House in Kaduna, Bagudu stated that the Northern region has no reason to regret supporting Tinubu’s emergence as President.
“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 no basis for regret,” he said.
Bagudu emphasised that every member of the administration is equally valued, regardless of ethnic or regional origin, describing Tinubu’s leadership as one built on merit and inclusion.
He cautioned against misleading rhetoric aimed at fostering regional discontent, stressing that the North is actively involved in governance at all levels.
“Yes, perception matters, but the reality is different. The North is not left out. In fact, we are deeply engaged,” he affirmed.
Turning to the economic challenges inherited by the current administration, the Minister said the government assumed office amid a deeply troubled economy marked by unsustainable fiscal practices, massive debt, and a dysfunctional subsidy regime.
“It was a tragic situation. We were subsidising what we couldn’t even pay for,” Bagudu remarked.
He explained that the President introduced the Renewed Hope Agenda to confront these problems through difficult but necessary reforms. These included the removal of fuel subsidies, the liberalisation of the foreign exchange system, restructuring of revenue processes, and the promotion of fiscal discipline.
According to him, these bold decisions are already yielding tangible results.
“These tough reforms were necessary to stabilise the economy—and they have started working,” he said.
Bagudu cited increases in federal allocations as evidence of the positive impact of the reforms. “For example, Adamawa State received N9.76 billion in May 2023. By June 2025, the figure had risen to N22.73 billion. That’s what reform does,” he explained.
He also highlighted strategic institutional reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, such as the restoration of the Budget Office to the Ministry of National Planning and the establishment of new ministries—including those for Livestock Development, Arts and Culture, and the Blue Economy. These, he said, are part of efforts to promote inclusive growth and unlock new development sectors.
“This is a President who told us to imagine drawing water from a dry well—that’s how dire the situation was. But we are now beginning to see signs of recovery,” Bagudu stated.
He explained that the government’s focus is shifting from macroeconomic stabilisation to inclusive economic growth, with poverty reduction and diversification becoming central to national development efforts.
Senator Bagudu urged Northern leaders and institutions to engage more constructively with democratic processes, particularly in influencing national budgeting and policy formulation.
“We must articulate our needs, lobby our lawmakers, and ensure our priorities are reflected in national plans,” he advised.
He added that global confidence in Nigeria is gradually being restored, pointing to increasing foreign investments and growing international support for the administration’s reform agenda.
“We are seeing signs of investment, institutional approval, and a renewed global belief in Nigeria,” he said.
Describing the Tinubu-led government’s achievements as more than just administrative milestones, Bagudu referred to them as a “covenant of progress”—anchored in a shared loyalty to the country and guided by strong leadership.
He concluded by calling on the North to maintain and deepen its partnership with the current administration, for the benefit of future generations.
“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 urged.