APC Raises Alarm Over Threats to Northern Economic Agenda, Backs Tinubu’s ‘Transformation Blueprint’
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has warned against what he described as attempts by “self-serving political actors” to derail the Federal Government’s ambitious economic transformation drive for Northern Nigeria, declaring that the region is on course to emerge as a major commercial powerhouse in Africa.
Yilwatda said the sweeping investments under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu are strategically designed to reposition the North as a hub for trade, agriculture, infrastructure, and human capital development, with ripple effects across West and Central Africa.
The position was contained in a statement issued by the Office of the APC National Chairman and signed by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy.
Highlighting the scale of ongoing interventions, Yilwatda said the North’s geographic advantage places it at the centre of regional commerce, linking Nigeria to countries such as Niger, 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,” he said.
“Within the lifetime of this administration, the North will emerge as a strong economic powerhouse.”
Infrastructure, Trade and Integration Push
The APC chairman pointed to major infrastructure projects as the backbone of the transformation agenda, including road expansions, rail modernisation, and energy investments aimed at boosting industrial growth and lowering the cost of doing business.
According to him, these projects are part of a broader national strategy to integrate the region into continental markets, particularly under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He added that agricultural reforms—ranging from irrigation and mechanisation to agro-processing—are expected to strengthen food security and position the North as a major export base.
Education, Youth and Economic Inclusion
Yilwatda also spotlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a “game-changing” intervention to expand access to tertiary education, particularly for young people in the region.
“Education is the backbone of sustainable development. With NELFUND, the children of the North now have a clear pathway to tertiary education,” he stated.
He argued that a skilled and educated population would be critical to sustaining long-term economic growth and innovation.
Call for Unity, Warning to Opposition
Amid rising political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, the APC chairman urged stakeholders—including traditional rulers, youth groups, and business leaders—to rally behind the government’s agenda.
“This is a defining moment for the North and for Nigeria. We must not allow narrow personal interests to truncate a historic opportunity,” he warned.
Yilwatda also took a swipe at opposition figures, questioning their capacity to govern.
“They cannot organize or administer their own political parties, yet they aspire to lead a complex nation like Nigeria,” he said.
Reaffirming confidence in the current administration, he described President Tinubu as a “resilient democrat” whose policies reflect inclusive leadership and long-term vision.
“The North is on the path to renewal… with sustained support and collective responsibility, we will build a region that stands tall across Africa,” he added.
