A Unified Voice for Northern Nigeria's Renaissance
Over 1,000 organizations, united under the Northern Progressives Coalition (NPC), representing a wide range of democratic forces across Nigeria’s 19 northern states, gathered in Abuja to express strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s re-election in 2027. This event marked a significant moment in the political landscape of the country, showcasing a collective belief in the leadership’s transformative impact on the North.
The NPC leader, Usman Abdullahi, emphasized that the Tinubu-Shettima administration is seen as the most reliable leadership in Nigeria’s 65 years of independence. He highlighted the administration's role in initiating a socio-political renaissance that has brought about substantial improvements in Northern Nigeria through targeted reforms and inclusive policies.
Abdullahi addressed various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political leaders, civil society representatives, women, youth coalitions, and the broader Northern populace. He pointed out the administration’s efforts in tackling long-standing challenges such as systemic underdevelopment, political marginalization, economic disenfranchisement, and infrastructure neglect.
He stated, “For too long, the North has been portrayed in sterile data that fails to capture the harsh realities from Bauchi to Zamfara, Taraba to Sokoto. Yet, in less than two years, Tinubu and Shettima have brought a ray of hope with visionary policies that prioritize the North as a crucial pillar in Nigeria’s national architecture.”
Key Achievements and Transformative Impact
Abdullahi outlined several key achievements, emphasizing the unprecedented representation of Northerners in federal appointments. He noted that for the first time, Northern technocrats occupy strategic portfolios in security, commerce, oil regulation, and education reform, not as tokens but as co-architects of Nigeria’s renaissance.
Notable initiatives include the commissioning of an advanced Oncology Centre in Katsina under a National Cancer Care Expansion Policy, which reduces the need for Northern cancer patients to travel to Lagos or Abuja for treatment. The National Student Loan Scheme, financing over 396,000 students, has seen Northern students account for 55% of beneficiaries, receiving over N45 billion of the N77 billion disbursed by the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Education reforms have been a cornerstone of the administration, with over 120 learning centres established across Northern senatorial districts, equipped with solar power and safe water systems. The partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has revitalized 101 Almajiri and Tsangaya education centers in states like Bauchi, Niger, Kaduna, and Kano.
Infrastructure Development and Economic Empowerment
Infrastructure development was another highlight, with projects such as the N740.79 billion Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Highway, and the N305 billion Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Road dualization showcasing the administration’s commitment. The dredging of the River Niger around Lokoja and the BUA Group-funded Bode Saadu-Kaima-Kosubosu Road further bolster Northern mobility and commerce.
Tax reforms, including incentives for agro-processors and VAT exemptions for small-scale traders, were hailed as empowering the North’s agricultural base. Empowerment programs under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs have reached grassroots communities in Sokoto, Niger, Kebbi, Taraba, and Yobe, supporting victims of insecurity and fostering economic dignity.
Call for Continuity and Future Recommendations
Abdullahi argued for continuity, warning that the 2027 election must not be a year of political experimentation. He emphasized the need for stability to sustain economic reforms like subsidy removal, naira floatation, and tax restructuring, which require multi-year cycles to yield full benefits.
The coalition proposed recommendations to further progress, including expanding agro-processing zones, institutionalizing a Northern Educational Renaissance Scheme under NELFUND, rehabilitating grazing reserves, establishing youth tech hubs, and creating a Northern Women Enterprise Support Fund.
The NPC urged governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and youth to spread the ‘Renewed Hope for the Northern Renaissance’ agenda, advocating for a renewed Tinubu-Shettima mandate in 2027 to secure Nigeria’s and the North’s future prosperity.