The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has cautioned against actions that could derail the Federal Government’s economic renewal strategy for Northern Nigeria, describing the region as central to the country’s long-term growth ambitions.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is implementing deliberate and strategic investments aimed at transforming the North into a major economic bloc and a development model for West and Central Africa.
He noted that the scale and coordination of ongoing interventions reflect a clear commitment to repositioning the region as a hub for trade, agriculture, education, and infrastructure-driven growth.
According to him, Northern Nigeria’s geographical advantage places it in a strong position to serve as a gateway to neighbouring countries, boosting cross-border commerce and regional integration.
Yilwatda highlighted key projects under the administration, including the expansion of major road networks, rail modernisation linking the North to southern markets and ports, and investments in energy infrastructure to support industrial clusters and rural communities. He also pointed to ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains through irrigation, mechanisation, and agro-processing initiatives.
He explained that these interventions form part of a broader national strategy to integrate the region into global value chains while leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
On education, the APC chairman described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a landmark initiative designed to expand access to tertiary education, particularly for youths in the North. He said the scheme would help eliminate financial barriers and produce a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and economic growth.
Yilwatda also underscored the importance of agriculture in the region’s revitalisation, noting that improved security and targeted support for farmers are restoring confidence in rural communities. He said government efforts are focused on enhancing food security, supporting livestock development, expanding access to financing, and revitalising irrigation infrastructure.
The APC chairman called on stakeholders including traditional rulers, political leaders, youth groups, and the business community—to support the administration’s agenda to ensure its success.
He warned against what he described as the activities of “self-serving politicians,” saying their ambitions could undermine 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 transformation,” he said.
Yilwatda also reaffirmed President Tinubu’s democratic credentials, describing him as a resilient leader committed to inclusive national development.
He criticised opposition parties for what he termed a lack of cohesion and credibility, arguing that their internal challenges raise concerns about their capacity to govern effectively.
Reiterating the APC’s commitment, Yilwatda said the administration’s development agenda for Northern Nigeria remains unprecedented in scope and impact, assuring that sustained implementation would deliver long-term prosperity for the region.
