President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the development and inclusion of northern Nigeria, following rising concerns among key northern figures over perceived neglect in federal appointments and resource allocation.
Speaking during a closed-door meeting with a delegation from the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, Tinubu emphasized that the North remains “critical to Nigeria’s unity, progress, and prosperity,” and assured that his government would ensure balanced development across all regions.
There is no Nigeria without the North. This administration is committed to carrying every region along in our development drive. Our Renewed Hope Agenda is for all Nigerians, regardless of region, ethnicity, or faith,” President Tinubu told the ACF delegation, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Malami.
Tinubu’s assurance, however, comes amid growing discontent among some northern elites. Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, and other prominent northern voices have openly criticized what they describe as “lopsided appointments” and inadequate federal presence in key northern states.
In a statement released shortly after the ACF meeting, Babachir accused the administration of “paying lip service” to northern development and warned that political stability may be threatened if the North continues to feel marginalized.
We have seen repeated assurances, but little action. The North deserves infrastructure, jobs, and security, just like every other region,” Babachir said. “The president should walk the talk, not just talk the walk.”
The criticisms were echoed by some northern lawmakers and youth leaders, who lamented the high poverty and insecurity rates in the region. They urged the federal government to prioritize agriculture, education, and the rebuilding of communities ravaged by banditry and insurgency.
Responding to the concerns, Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale maintained that the Tinubu administration has initiated several pro-northern development projects, including road construction in the Northwest, irrigation schemes in the Northeast, and renewed military operations to tackle terrorism.
No region has been left behind. The president is focused on equitable growth. The North is and will continue to be a major beneficiary of federal programs,” Ngelale stated.
Political analysts say Tinubu’s latest outreach to northern leaders is a strategic move to calm rising tensions as the 2027 election cycle gradually approaches, with regional alliances likely to shape political permutations.
As debates continue, northern stakeholders await concrete signs that promises made will be transformed into visible progress on the ground.
