President Tinubu's Economic Reforms and Their Impact on Northern Nigeria

As Nigeria undergoes a significant economic transformation, Northern Nigeria faces a critical juncture. The current economic hardships are a direct consequence of long-standing imbalances, now intersecting with sweeping structural reforms that are reshaping the nation's financial landscape.

This analysis serves as an urgent appeal from Kano and the broader Northern region for prompt policy implementation, focused support measures, and practical actions to ensure these reforms translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of citizens.

The region is experiencing immediate and severe pressures, including escalating food prices, increased transportation costs, and ongoing security concerns. These are not abstract policy issues but daily realities affecting families' survival. In many communities, agricultural activities are hampered, small businesses struggle for survival, and youth face mounting uncertainty.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed leadership at a time when Nigeria grappled with deep-seated economic challenges such as distorted fuel subsidies, a fragmented exchange rate system, and inadequate infrastructure. The administration's approach has prioritised corrective measures over delays.

The discontinuation of fuel subsidies and the consolidation of the foreign exchange market have marked this strategic pivot. Although these actions have introduced short-term difficulties, they have also expanded the government's fiscal capacity. From March 2024 to August 2025, allocations exceeding N2.45 trillion were distributed to states and the Federal Capital Territory, as documented in Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) records for that period. These statutory disbursements stemmed from improved revenue generation following key reform initiatives.

The implication is that while financial resources have increased, the effectiveness of outcomes now largely depends on how these funds are utilised. Within Nigeria's federal system, this distinction is crucial. The federal government sets the policy agenda, provides financial resources, and oversees strategic infrastructure development, but the primary responsibility for executing policies and delivering services lies with state governments. Consequently, the success of reforms hinges on the efficiency with which these subnational entities discharge their duties.

Therefore, a more insightful assessment of reform effectiveness is found at the state level. Across Northern Nigeria, varying degrees of investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture are emerging. However, the progress remains inconsistent. Public perception of reforms is thus localised: where tangible improvements are evident, reforms are viewed positively; where they are absent, hardship is directly linked to federal policy decisions.

Kano State offers a pertinent example. The state's initiatives to broaden educational access, renovate healthcare facilities, enhance infrastructure, and support farmers and small enterprises demonstrate efforts to convert public funds into measurable benefits. Although progress is ongoing, this example underscores a wider truth: federal reforms may unlock resources, but the actual experience of citizens is shaped by execution at the subnational level.

The escalating cost of fuel represents one of the most significant sources of pressure. With the subsidy gone, domestic fuel prices are now influenced by global oil markets, currency exchange rates, and supply chain challenges. Furthermore, geopolitical events affecting major shipping routes have added to price volatility. While these factors are not exclusive to Nigeria, their local impact is profound.

This situation highlights the critical need for mitigation strategies. Instead of reversing policies, the focus should be on alleviating their immediate consequences. One viable approach is the structured allocation of a portion of the savings from subsidy removal towards targeted initiatives in regions experiencing the most acute economic vulnerability. Northern Nigeria falls into this category, and well-designed programmes could help stabilise communities and support livelihoods during this transitional period.

Regional development commissions in the North provide an established framework for such interventions. These bodies are intended to complement state governments by implementing targeted, federally supported programmes at the geopolitical level.

Specifically, the North West Development Commission (NWDC) needs to be empowered to play a more prominent and effective role. As a federal platform, it symbolises the federal government's presence in the region and is expected to deliver people-centric programmes that directly address current challenges. While concerns regarding internal coordination and operational efficiency within the Commission have been raised, it is imperative that these issues are resolved swiftly in the public interest. At a time of significant strain on communities, the Commission must transition from its structural phase to decisive action, implementing projects that bolster livelihoods, strengthen local infrastructure, and provide immediate socio-economic relief.

Infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of long-term economic recovery. Key projects such as the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, the Kano–Maiduguri corridor, and the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline hold substantial economic promise for the region. Their timely completion will significantly impact trade, transportation, energy provision, and industrial growth across Northern Nigeria.

Given the magnitude and urgency of these infrastructure undertakings, there is a strong rationale for decisive federal action to expedite their progress. This could involve considering a specific Executive Order aimed at fast- tracking priority infrastructure projects across Northern Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, the Kano–Maiduguri corridor, and the AKK gas pipeline. Such an order would streamline approval processes, enforce inter-agency collaboration, and prioritise funding streams, ensuring that projects of national importance are completed within defined and accelerated timelines.

Concurrently, immediate relief measures are essential. Strengthening social welfare programmes, providing agricultural support, and establishing targeted economic assistance schemes will help prevent vulnerable populations from bearing the brunt of reform.

Ultimately, the success of economic reforms must be gauged by their tangible impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. While increased financial allocations create opportunities, only diligent execution, institutional accountability, and effective coordination among all government levels will transform these opportunities into genuine progress.

The message conveyed is clear and sincere. While the direction of reforms and their long-term goals are understood, current realities necessitate an urgent and visible response. There is a strong expectation that federal initiatives—including accelerated infrastructure delivery, effective utilisation of regional development commissions, and targeted relief programmes—will lead to measurable improvements in people's daily lives. The true measure of reform success will not be its intent, but the speed at which it restores stability, opportunity, and hope.

If reform characterises the present, then effective execution will define the future.

Dr Zango, FPSN, is the Founder of the Fatah Zango Foundation and resides in Kano.