Northern stakeholders back Tinubu reforms, seek continuity beyond 2027

A significant coalition of political leaders, academics, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations from Northern Nigeria has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu's reform agenda. This strong endorsement, expressed at the Northern Stakeholders Townhall Engagement in Kaduna, signals a crucial backing for the administration's economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange reforms. The stakeholders argue that these measures, while currently causing hardship, are essential for long-term economic stability and prosperity, a perspective that resonates with the need for decisive action to reposition Nigeria.

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The reforms are difficult, but they are necessary to reposition the country and secure long-term economic stability.

The event, themed "Critical Appraisal of Governance and Reforms Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the 2027 Question," provided a platform for dialogue and consensus-building. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, representing the President, articulated the administration's narrative of moving "from reforms to recovery." He emphasized that the difficult decisions made were necessary to rescue the economy from collapse and that patience is required for the results to materialize. This framing aims to reassure the public and garner support for the administration's vision, highlighting social interventions like the NELFUND student loan scheme and infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

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Meaningful reforms require sacrifice and patience. The results may not come overnight, but the foundation for long-term recovery has been laid.

From the perspective of these Northern stakeholders and as reported by The Punch, the continuity of these reforms is paramount. They see the current policies as laying a foundation for future growth and believe that political stability beyond 2027 is necessary to allow these reforms to fully mature. The Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, further corroborated the positive impact, noting how increased federal allocations have enabled state-level development. This unified front from a key region demonstrates a shared commitment to the President's economic direction, positioning the reforms as a national imperative rather than a partisan agenda, and underscoring the importance of sustained leadership to achieve these goals.

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He stated that the reforms had contributed to improved external reserves, increased allocations to states, stronger fiscal discipline and renewed investor confidence.