The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has drew attention to the ongoing infrastructure revolution in the Northern part of Nigeria by President Bola Tinubu, as precursor to economic transformation of the region.
He said that the infrastructure revolution is consistent of roads, rail, agriculture, energy and education, aimed at stimulating local economies as well as deepening cross-border trade, enhance regional integration and position the region as a commercial nerve centre for the sub-region.
According to him, the deliberate and strategic investments of President Tinubu’s administration in Northern Nigeria are designed to transform the region into a formidable economic bloc and a model of development for neighbouring countries across West and Central Africa.
In a statement today, May 5, by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC National Chairman said that the scale, depth and intentionality of ongoing federal government interventions underscore a clear commitment to repositioning the North as a hub of productivity, trade, education and infrastructure-driven growth.
Professor Yilwatda stressed that the transformational Infrastructure Development highlighted several ongoing and planned infrastructure projects that are critical to the North’s transformation.
“These include:
The expansion and rehabilitation of major road corridors linking Northern states to key commercial hubs, facilitating seamless movement of goods and people.
“The ongoing rail modernization projects, including extensions that connect Northern cities to ports and southern markets, thereby reducing logistics costs and boosting trade competitiveness.
Strategic investments in energy infrastructure aimed at improving power supply to industrial clusters and rural communities across the region.
“The development of agricultural value chains through irrigation projects, mechanization support, and agro-processing zones to ensure food security and export readiness.”
The APC boss emphasized that the Northern region, given its geographical advantage and economic potential, is strategically positioned to serve as a gateway to neighbouring countries such as Niger Republic, Chad, Cameroon and Benin Republic.
“The vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Northern Nigeria goes beyond politics; it is a well-thought-out economic and developmental strategy aimed at unlocking the vast potential of the region.
“Within the lifetime of this administration, the North will emerge as a strong economic powerhouse, driven by infrastructure, human capital development, and strategic investments.”
He said that all the developmental projects are part of a coordinated national strategy to integrate the North into global value chains while strengthening its role within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
On education, the APC National Chairman described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a landmark intervention that will significantly expand access to tertiary education for Northern youths.
He explained that NELFUND is structured to remove financial barriers that have historically limited educational attainment in the region, ensuring that no qualified student is denied higher education due to lack of funds.
This, he said, will lead to a more educated, skilled, and competitive workforce capable of driving innovation and economic growth.
“Education is the backbone of sustainable development. With NELFUND, the children of the North now have a clear pathway to tertiary education, regardless of their socio-economic background.
“This is a transformational policy that will redefine the future of the region.”
On agriculture, security and economic evitalization
Professor Yilwatda pointed to renewed federal focus on agriculture as a cornerstone of Northern development.
According to him, enhanced security measures, combined with targeted support for farmers are gradually restoring confidence in rural communities and boosting agricultural productivity.
He said that the administration is prioritizing food security through large-scale farming initiatives and support for livestock development and modern ranching systems as well as access to financing for farmers and agribusinesses.
He said that there is also a programme onrevitalization of dams and irrigation infrastructure.
He said that these efforts will not only feed the nation but position the North as a leading exporter of agricultural products to neighbouring countries.
Professor Yilwatda called on all stakeholders in the Northern region, traditional rulers, political leaders, youth groups, business communities and civil society, to rally behind the Tinubu administration to ensure the successful implementation of these transformative initiatives.
“This is a defining moment for the North and for Nigeria. We must not allow narrow personal interests to truncate a historic opportunity for regional transformation. The future we seek requires collective commitment and unity of purpose.”
