By Palma Ileye
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, has stated that Northern States in Nigeria have experienced significant economic advancement under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, evidenced by a substantial increase in revenue and a considerable reduction in debt.
Bagudu made these remarks during a presentation at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation’s Two-Day interactive session on: “Government-Citizen Engagement” in Kaduna, themed; “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Unity.”
He also mentioned the enhancement of healthcare facilities under President Tinubu, stating that over 1,003 Primary Healthcare Centers were revitalized in two years, and that 10 of the nation’s upgraded medical warehouses were located in the North.
He noted a significant upgrade in Federal Teaching Hospitals and Medical Centers across Katsina, Bauchi, Yobe, Borno, Zaria, Adamawa, Kebbi, Taraba, and Kano.
He pointed out that under the MAMII Programme, the region recorded 13.1 million antenatal visits, 4.2 million safe deliveries, 4,000 free Caesarean sections, and 6 million women receiving nutritional support stating that, “This is not charity. It is health justice delivered with intent.”
The Minister also said that by stating that President Tinubu’s policies were equitable and fair to all regions, explaining that the President ensures his Renewed Hope legacy projects are distributed equally across the country.
According to him, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a comprehensive and strategic approach to addressing the economic, social, and governance challenges in Nigeria.”
The citizen engagement, which took place from Tuesday to Wednesday, assessed the implementation of the election promises President Tinubu made to the Foundation during the 2023 general election. While some Northern leaders held the belief that the region had not been treated fairly, 19 Governors and Federal political appointees presented a different view, supported by data and facts regarding the President’s programs in the area.
The engagement, brought together over 60 Northern Federal political appointees, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who led the delegation, as well as Ministers and Heads of various Ministries, Departments, and agencies, Northern State Governors, and Regional Thought leaders, notably the Arewa Consultative Forum.
