Tinubu’s Government Unveils Multi-Sectoral Initiatives to Boost Northern Region’s Development
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has outlined a series of strategic interventions aimed at accelerating socio-economic development across Nigeria’s northern states, leveraging infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and education. These announcements were made during the Citizens-Government Engagement and Midterm Assessment of the Tinubu Administration, hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation in Kaduna.
Rail and Road Infrastructure for Regional Connectivity
The Minister of Transport, Senator Saidu Alkali, revealed that financing has been secured for the 1,443-kilometer Aba–Maiduguri Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway Project, which passes through eight northern states including Borno, Yobe, Gombe, and Kaduna. He added that the old Lagos–Kano rail line has been rehabilitated, reviving freight services linking Apapa to the Kano Inland Dry Port.
Complementing this, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, announced four transformative highway projects to connect regions and boost commerce. These include:
– Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway (1,068 km)
– Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (750 km)
– Trans-Saharan Highway (477 km) traversing Calabar to the FCT
– Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Expressway (422 km)
Notably, 52% of ongoing projects under the Works Ministry are located in the northern region, with reinforced concrete being used for durability on the Sokoto–Zaria route.
Agricultural Modernization with Livestock Innovation
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The Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed plans to establish cattle breeding centers across Nigeria’s six regions. This initiative aims to enhance livestock productivity and aligns with the broader Renewed Hope Agenda, supported by inter-ministerial synergy among Agriculture, Environment, Water Resources, Livestock Development, and the Blue Economy ministries.
Energy Expansion and Resource Exploration
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) reiterated its commitment to developing oil and gas resources in the North. Director Yusuf Usman stated that four exploratory wells have been drilled in Kolmani, Bauchi State, with further technological evaluation underway. Additionally, five Compressed and Liquefied Natural Gas plants are under construction in Kogi State to support the Tinubu administration’s clean energy drive.
Strengthening Basic Education Funding and Accountability
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, announced that guidelines for accessing Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funds are under review. The new framework will emphasize flexibility for state governments while tying disbursements to measurable performance metrics to ensure transparency and value.
A Holistic Development Vision
Together, these measures underscore the Tinubu administration’s commitment to inclusive development and regional equity. From railways and superhighways to livestock centers and gas infrastructure, the focus remains on unlocking the North’s full potential through collaborative governance and strategic investment.
By PRNigeria
