Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has reiterated the North’s commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, pointing to major achievements in infrastructure, security, and economic reforms.
Speaking on Tuesday in Kaduna at the opening of a two-day interactive session organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Yahaya said the meeting, themed “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Unity,” was designed to hold leaders accountable to campaign promises made during the 2023 elections.
“When candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu stood before us, he made specific commitments to Northern Nigeria. The North believed in his vision and delivered over 60% of the votes that brought him to power,” Yahaya said.
Governor Yahaya listed several ongoing projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to Northern development, including:
Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway
Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line
Rehabilitation of the Kaduna Refinery
Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline
Oil exploration at the Kolmani Oil Fields
“These projects are proof that when citizens engage and leaders remain committed, democracy works. The renewed hope agenda is beginning to yield tangible results,” he said.
He also highlighted the proposed Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, agricultural value chain programmes, improved healthcare facilities, and better inter-state road networks as further indicators of progress.
On security, Yahaya revealed that over 300 bandit and terrorist commanders have been neutralised in recent operations, citing enhanced military coordination and intelligence efforts.
He noted, “While challenges remain, the siege on our people is being lifted.”
He praised the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a strategic solution to modernise pastoral livelihoods and end perennial herder-farmer conflicts.
Addressing public concerns over hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate liberalisation, Yahaya defended the policies as unavoidable steps towards sustainable economic growth.
He stated, “These are painful but necessary steps. Long-term stability requires tough decisions.”
He commended federal efforts to address youth unemployment and educational challenges, including grants and collaborative initiatives aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children.
Yahaya urged Northern leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society to complement federal initiatives with grassroots development programmes, adding that President Tinubu has “earned our continued support” based on performance and delivery.
Referencing the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Yahaya described the alliance between the North and Southwest as “not just political arithmetic, it is a stabilising force for national cohesion.”
He said, “Democracy thrives in the spaces we create for honest conversation. When citizens and government work together as true partners, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.”
The session attracted representatives from civil society, traditional institutions, youth organisations, and senior government officials across the North. Panel discussions and breakout sessions are expected to continue on Wednesday.
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