Kaduna: President Bola Tinubu has committed his administration to ensuring equitable development throughout all regions of Nigeria. The promise was made during a two-day interactive session on Government-citizens' Engagement, organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna. Tinubu emphasized that no region would be left behind in the nation's developmental agenda.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, highlighted various achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda. These include interventions in economic reforms, education, health, security, infrastructure, and food security. He assured that ministers' interactions with stakeholders would reveal that the northern region is not being neglected.
Tinubu outlined the administration's economic reforms, mentioning the unification of the exchange rate and restructuring of debt profiles to stabilize and grow the economy. Investments have also been made to modernize security equipment and enhance personnel capabilities. Major projects cited include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry super highway, ongoing rail projects, and housing initiatives.
NAN reports that Akume led a high-powered Federal Government delegation comprising ministers, director-generals of various agencies, and top political aides from the North. Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes reforming the economy, strengthening national security, boosting agriculture, unlocking energy and natural resources, and improving infrastructure and transportation.
Tinubu addressed the removal of the fuel subsidy, acknowledging it as a painful yet necessary reform that saved trillions of Naira. He explained that savings are being redirected into critical infrastructure and human development, with states receiving increased allocations for development. The Palliative Measures Plan and interventions through state governments and MSME support aim to mitigate the impacts of subsidy removal.
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. These include transparency, accountability, participation, responsiveness, equity, rule of law, and inclusivity.
Tinubu emphasized the administration's economic reform strategies designed to create a robust, diversified, and resilient economy. By fostering an environment conducive to investment and innovation, the government aims to stimulate growth, reduce unemployment, and ensure equitable wealth distribution.
On security, Tinubu stressed its importance as the foundation of national development, focusing on enhancing security forces' capabilities, promoting peace, and ensuring safety for all Nigerians. In agriculture, he noted the modernization of farming practices, increased access to finance, and expanded market opportunities as key to achieving food security and transforming Nigeria into an agricultural powerhouse.
Tinubu also mentioned reforms aimed at unlocking Nigeria's vast natural resources and energy sector, driving economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability. Over 400,000 students in tertiary institutions have benefitted from the Students' Loan Programme, with an estimated N53 billion disbursed.
He highlighted the importance of patience and collective efforts in achieving the agenda's goals and praised late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and other leaders for their contributions to national cohesion and unity.