Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, says President Bola Tinubu has lived up to the promises he made during the 2023 campaign, and “is still keeping them.”
Governor Yahaya made the assertion on Tuesday in Kaduna, at a two-day Interactive Session on Government-Citizen Engagement, organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF), held at Arewa House.
The event, themed “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizens’ Engagement for National Unity,” brought together top government functionaries, political leaders, and stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria.
Yahaya stressed that the theme of the programme goes to the heart of democracy.
“True democracy and good governance are not a one-way street, but a continuous dialogue between leaders and citizens,” he said.
He emphasized that platforms like this are not only for showcasing government achievements but also for fostering accountability and strengthening civic engagement.
“As leaders, we must have the humility to admit our mistakes, and make adjustments based on the needs and feedback of the people,” he said.
“As we engage with representatives of the Federal Government, let us do so with fairness and wisdom.”
“Tinubu Has Delivered” – Yahaya
Yahaya said Northern Nigeria’s partnership with Tinubu’s administration has yielded tangible outcomes across infrastructure, security, and governance.
“In 2027, we must reward performance and hard work. By that measure, President Tinubu has earned our continued support,” he stated.
He recalled that during the 2023 elections, Tinubu made clear promises to Northern voters.
“The North, believing in President Tinubu’s vision, voted strongly for him, contributing over 60% of his total votes. Today, we gather not for empty rhetoric but to assess the progress made.”
Yahaya described the results as visible and impactful, noting that many long-stalled projects are now nearing completion under Tinubu’s administration.
These include:
The Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway
The Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line
Rehabilitation of the Kaduna Refinery
The Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline
Continued drilling at the Kolmani Oilfields
“These projects promise to bring industrial growth and energy security to Northern Nigeria,” he said.
He added that new infrastructure initiatives like the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway are being pursued, which will connect Northern producers to southern markets.
Other interventions include:
Agriculture value-chain initiatives
Expansion of healthcare facilities across Northern states
Upgrades to inter-state road networks
Security, Youth Development, and Economic Reforms
On security, Yahaya said coordinated military operations and improved intelligence have led to significant gains.
“Over 300 bandit kingpins and terrorist commanders have been eliminated, disrupting criminal networks that once terrorized our communities. While challenges remain, the siege is being lifted.”
He also hailed the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a strategic step towards modernizing Nigeria’s pastoral economy.
The governor noted renewed federal attention on youth empowerment and vulnerable populations, particularly the Almajiri and out-of-school children crisis, being addressed through partnerships with state governments, traditional institutions, and international agencies.
“The Pain Is Real, but So Is the Progress”
Yahaya acknowledged the difficulties brought on by Tinubu’s economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate floatation.
“There is no doubt the reforms have painful side effects. But they were necessary steps to stabilize the economy and create long-term growth. The pain is real, but so is the progress.”
To build on these gains, Yahaya called on all Northern stakeholders to play their part:
“Our state governments must complement federal initiatives with investments in infrastructure and human capital.
Traditional and religious leaders should sustain their roles in community mobilization and conflict resolution.
Business leaders and civil society must continue their constructive engagement.”
He concluded by reaffirming the strength of the North-Southwest alliance, calling it not just political strategy but a stabilizing force for national unity.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event drew prominent participants, including:
Serving and former governors
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)
The National Security Adviser (NSA)
Service Chiefs and Federal Ministers
Heads of MDAs and government parastatals
Captains of industry from Northern Nigeria
The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali
