As Nigeria marks May 29, 2025, the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Nigerians across the North are expressing divided opinions on the impact of his reforms, especially in the areas of economy, security, and inclusion.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu promised transformation. But two years on, reactions from the Northwest and Northeast reveal a reality marked by economic hardship, factory shutdowns, inflation, and regional discontent, with a few pockets of hopeful progress.
Fuel Subsidy Removal: The Turning Point
Tinubu’s presidency made an immediate statement with the removal of fuel subsidy on his inauguration day—an act many describe as bold, but devastating.
“The prices of essentials have skyrocketed,” said Muhammad Taoheed, a researcher in Abuja. “Transport alone gulps so much of my income despite working remotely at times. Millions are in this sinking boat.”
In Kano, businesswoman Hajara Abdullahi said government palliatives and social programs have failed to soften the blow.
“The hardship keeps biting harder because the government has failed to provide a concrete and effective measure to cushion the effects.”
Northern Economy in Distress
From Sokoto to Kaduna, businesses are shutting down. Ahmad Bello, who lost his job in a leather factory, said:
“Our Oga couldn’t afford to keep us. He retained old staff and fired us—the newer ones. Now I do odd jobs. Life has become something else.”
The North’s SMEs are struggling with rising fuel costs, forex instability, poor power supply, and runaway inflation, leading to massive job losses and stalled productivity.
Accusations of Southern Favoritism
Critics say the South is benefiting more from Tinubu’s administration. Political analyst Muhammad Tukur Ibrahim claims:
“Oil exploration in the North has gone silent. Appointments and infrastructure are mostly going South. It’s clear favoritism.”
Northern politicians have also voiced concerns about unbalanced federal appointments and abandoned regional projects, which they say fuel political and economic marginalization.
Signs of Progress: Minimum Wage, Local Government Autonomy, Student Loan Scheme
Not all reviews are negative. Baba Abdullahi Machina from Yobe praised Tinubu’s efforts:
“Increasing the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 is bold and commendable. It shows effort to adjust to new realities.”
He also applauded the enforcement of local government financial autonomy, calling it a game-changer for grassroots governance.
The introduction of the student loan scheme has also raised hopes for poor and disadvantaged students, though concerns remain about corruption and proper implementation.
Youth Programs and Uneven Development
Aminu Abdullahi, a social commentator from Kano, highlighted both progress and pitfalls.
“There’s potential in the 3MTT Program and youth empowerment schemes, but rural areas are left behind. Policies must be fairly distributed.”
Security: Still a Major Battlefront
Despite increased defense budgets and procurement of fighter jets, insecurity still plagues many parts of the North.
“In some rural areas, farmers pay bandits to access their own farmlands,” lamented Umar Rufai from Katsina. “Border communities are still under threat from kidnappers.”
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“We Need Real Change” – Northern Voices Call for Action
As Tinubu presents his mid-term scorecard, voices like Ahmad Bello’s echo across the North.
“We want policies that improve our lives—not decisions that make daily survival harder for ordinary Nigerians.”
Conclusion
With President Tinubu’s administration at the halfway mark, Nigerians—especially in Northern Nigeria—are demanding inclusive governance, economic relief, and security stability. While some applaud his bold steps, others urge a more human-centered approach to policymaking.
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