The Minister of National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, has assured that, North has nothing to fear or regret about supporting President Bola Tinubu, as the region is fully represented and actively involved in the governance of the country.
Speaking during a technical session at the Government-Citizens Engagement organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, at Arewa House, Kaduna. Bagudu declared that there is no systemic discrimination against the North under President Tinubu’s administration.
He said government is built on inclusion and national unity, stressing that all regions, especially the North, are being carried along.
According to him, “Those of us privileged to be part of President Tinubu’s team are vigilant and committed to protecting the interest of the North. There is no exclusion, and there is no basis for regret.”
Bagudu described President Tinubu as a nationalist whose appointments and policies are based on competence and vision, not ethnic or regional considerations.
“Every member of his team feels equally valued, regardless of origin. This is a government of merit and inclusion,” he stated.
The Minister urged Northern leaders and citizens not to fall for divisive narratives that attempt to portray the region as sidelined. “Yes, perception matters, but the reality is different. The North is not left out. In fact, we are deeply engaged at all levels,” he assured.
While Highlighting on the economic situation inherited by the Tinubu administration, Bagudu said the government met an economy in crisis—borrowing to import fuel, with a broken subsidy system and unsustainable fiscal policies. “It was a tragic situation. We were subsidising what we couldn’t even pay for,” he said.
He however noted that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was crafted to confront these challenges head-on through tough but necessary reforms. “Fuel subsidy removal, forex liberalisation, revenue reforms, and fiscal discipline were all needed to stabilise the economy—and they have started working,” he noted.
Bagudu cited improved federation allocations as one of the immediate benefits of the reforms. “Take Adamawa State, for instance—it received N9.76 billion in May 2023. By June 2025, the allocation had jumped to N22.73 billion. That’s what reform does.”
He added by pointed to strategic structural changes like restoring the budget office to the Ministry of National Planning and creating new ministries such as Livestock Development, Arts and Culture, and the Blue Economy, saying these were deliberate moves to unlock growth and inclusion.
He said that, the government is transitioning from macroeconomic stabilisation to inclusive growth, with renewed focus on poverty reduction and economic diversification across all regions.
While called on the North to engage more strategically with democratic institutions, especially in influencing national budgeting. “We must articulate our needs, lobby our lawmakers, and ensure our priorities are reflected in national plans,” he said.
He stated that global confidence in Nigeria is returning, as shown by increasing foreign interest and recognition of the country’s reform trajectory. “We are seeing signs of investment, institutional approval, and a renewed global belief in Nigeria.”
Describing the administration’s performance as more than a scorecard, saying “its a covenant of progress built on loyalty to Nigeria and to the North, and guided by the clear leadership of President Tinubu.”
He urged the North to consolidate its support for the government, stressing that the partnership with President Tinubu must be strengthened for the benefit of future generations.
“This is just the beginning, lLet us build on it. Let us work together for a North that is secure, productive, and empowered—within a strong and united Nigeria,” the Minister stated.