Northern groups have disagreed over President Bola Tinubu’s claim that the North is the biggest beneficiary of his administration’s economic reforms.
The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and Middle Belt Forum, MBF, faulted the claim, citing widespread poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship in the region.
The ACF described the statement as “surreal” and “cynical,” arguing that the situation in the North does not support the President’s position. The MBF also said the effects of policies such as fuel subsidy removal cut across all parts of the country and could not be credited to one region.
However, the Northern Christian Association disagreed, saying the North has benefited from infrastructure projects and other interventions under the Tinubu administration.
Its chairman, Rev. John Hayab, said the government had recorded improvements in the region, particularly in road infrastructure, while insisting that Tinubu was performing better than his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
Tinubu, represented by APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda at a policy roundtable, had said the removal of fuel subsidy and other reforms were creating new economic opportunities for the North.
He said planned road, rail, and trade corridors would strengthen commerce between Northern Nigeria and neighboring countries, making the region a major business destination.
The debate comes as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) maintained its support for restoring fuel subsidy as part of efforts to reduce the rising cost of living.
