- Nws Investigators/ The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, says the North has nothing to fear or regret about supporting President Bola Tinubu, insisting that the region is fully represented in the current administration.
Mr Bagudu made this known on Wednesday during a technical session at the ongoing two-day Government–Citizens’ Engagement organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, holding at the Arewa House, Kaduna.
He said the Tinubu administration was inclusive, fair, and committed to promoting national unity, adding that Northern leaders in government remained vigilant and deeply engaged in defending the region’s interests.
The minister said allegations of marginalisation were baseless, as Tinubu had consistently shown his commitment to equitable representation across all the regions of the country.
“Those of us privileged to be part of this government are vigilant and committed to protecting the interests of the North. There is no systemic discrimination in this administration,” he said.
Bagudu stated that every part of the country was adequately represented in Tinubu’s team, and appointments have been based on merit, competence, and national character.
He urged Northern citizens not to fall for divisive narratives aimed at pitching regions against each other, saying the Tinubu administration was focused on national development that benefits all Nigerians.
The minister said Tinubu inherited a struggling economy weighed down by multiple challenges, including an unsustainable fuel subsidy regime, forex distortions, dwindling reserves, and a high fiscal deficit.
He said the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration was designed to address those issues through a series of bold and necessary reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and driving inclusive growth.
According to him, reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, tax and revenue adjustments, and restoration of monetary discipline have already begun to yield positive results.
He cited the significant increase in revenue allocations to states and local governments as one of the early outcomes of the reforms, saying the changes have improved the country’s fiscal position.
“For instance, Adamawa received N9.76 billion in May 2023, but by June 2025, the same state received N22.73 billion due to improved revenue performance after subsidy removal,” he said.
Bagudu also highlighted some of the structural governance reforms initiated by the administration, including the relocation of the Budget Office to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, where he currently serves.
He said Tinubu’s decision to establish new Ministries such as Livestock Development, Arts and Culture, Marine and Blue Economy, and Regional Development was aimed at unlocking growth across key sectors of the economy.
Bagudu explained that the focus of the administration had now shifted from stabilisation to inclusive economic growth, with renewed attention on poverty reduction, infrastructure development, and productivity across the federation.
He urged Northern leaders and communities to work with democratic institutions such as the National Assembly to ensure that their priorities are reflected in national planning and budget processes.
“This administration believes in Nigeria and is committed to ensuring every region, including the North, benefits from national progress.
“It is not just a report of achievements, but a covenant of inclusive development,” he said.
Bagudu reaffirmed that the Tinubu-led government remained committed to building a secure, productive, and united Nigeria, where no region feels left behind or underrepresented.
NAN
