Observations on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road
During a recent family trip along the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, my young daughter Hadassah noted, “This road is different now.” As a perceptive 6-year-old, she often comments on her surroundings, making her insight all the more impactful given that this is a route she has traveled since infancy. When I pressed her to elaborate on what she deemed as “different,” her answer was both humorous and telling: “Can’t you see that you’re driving better and faster?” This highlighted a significant change—no longer were we swerving to avoid the recognizable potholes that once plagued this vital artery.
Children’s Perspectives on Governance
This moment made me reflect on how children perceive changes in their environment, especially concerning the governance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While adults often focus on critiques, children notice subtleties that offer valuable insights. There’s a Hausa saying: to understand an event better, ask the children present. Unlike adults, who may temper their opinions for political correctness, children candidly identify key players and articulate the events as they unfold.
Political Narratives in Northern Nigeria
Recent narratives suggesting a disconnect between Tinubu and northern interests raise questions. As a seasoned observer of the political landscape in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions, I recognize that the area has historically thrived on unity stemming from shared cultural and religious practices. However, navigating the realm of Nigerian politics often reveals a tapestry of biases and partisanship. This has given way to speculation, including claims that Tinubu is anti-North—a notion that seems more influenced by political maneuvering than by fact.
Infrastructure Investments Under Tinubu
Critics of the Tinubu administration may overlook significant advancements made in northern Nigeria. His commitment to improving infrastructure and resource allocation surpasses prior expectations. Notable projects include the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway and the ambitious Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, which establishes vital connections between northern and southwestern states. Each project is designed to enhance trade and improve connectivity, expanding opportunities for economic growth across the region.
Enhancing Agricultural Capacity in the North
The North serves as Nigeria’s agricultural backbone. Investments in transportation infrastructure, along with targeted initiatives like a $134 million program to bolster irrigation and storage capabilities, illustrate Tinubu’s focus on agriculture. This initiative, which spans 500,000 hectares, facilitates year-round farming and significantly contributes to economic stability in a region where agricultural production is paramount. The advancements in fertilizer access, livestock modernization, and crop yield quality are pivotal in strengthening the agricultural value chain, with the North playing a crucial role.
Leadership Appointments Reflecting Northern Interests
Beyond physical infrastructure, the distribution of leadership roles within federal institutions under Tinubu’s administration also deserves recognition. Recent data indicates that the Northwest holds the highest proportion of federal appointments, reflecting a commitment to equitable representation for northern interests. With a substantial 401 leadership positions attributable to the North, compared to 311 for the southern regions, the administration echoes a deliberate intent to involve northern voices prominently in governance.
Challenging the “Anti-North” Narrative
Despite the partisan criticisms labeling Tinubu as anti-North, empirical evidence does not substantiate these claims. Such assertions seem driven by an archaic political agenda rather than observable outcomes. A more nuanced understanding suggests that Tinubu embodies a dual identity—a “northerner in Yoruba costume,” as some might phrase it—reflecting the diverse and interconnected nature of Nigeria’s political landscape.
Public Policy Analyst Gaya writes from Kano
