The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has reiterated support for the Federal Government’s economic agenda for Northern Nigeria, warning that political interference could undermine its progress.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is pursuing a structured, long-term plan to transform the region into a leading economic centre in West and Central Africa.

He said the scale and coordination of ongoing federal projects demonstrate a clear intention to reposition the North as a hub for commerce, education, and infrastructure-driven growth.

“The vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Northern Nigeria goes beyond Politics; it represents a deliberate strategy to unlock the region’s vast economic potential,” Yilwatda said.

“Before the end of this administration, the North is expected to emerge as a strong and competitive economic powerhouse.”

Yilwatda pointed to major investments in transportation, energy, and agriculture as central to the region’s transformation. He said road expansion and rail modernisation projects would improve connectivity between Northern states and key markets, reducing the cost of transporting goods and enhancing trade efficiency.

He added that improved power supply and agro-industrial initiatives are expected to stimulate industrial activity, while irrigation and mechanised farming programmes would strengthen food production and export capacity.

According to him, the initiatives are aligned with Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area, enabling the region to access wider continental markets.

On human capital development, the APC chairman described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a key intervention designed to expand access to higher education.

“Education remains the foundation of sustainable development. NELFUND provides an opportunity for young people in the North to access tertiary education irrespective of financial constraints,” he said.

He noted that improved access to education would help produce a skilled workforce capable of sustaining economic growth.

Yilwatda also highlighted renewed emphasis on agriculture, supported by improving security conditions in parts of the region. He said government efforts are focused on boosting large-scale farming, livestock development, and access to financing for agribusinesses.

He added that rehabilitation of dams and irrigation systems would further enhance productivity and position the region as a major supplier of agricultural goods beyond Nigeria’s borders.

The APC chairman called on key stakeholders, including traditional institutions, youth organisations, and the private sector, to support the administration’s development agenda.

“This is a critical moment for Northern Nigeria. Collective effort is required to ensure that this opportunity for transformation is not lost,” he said.

He warned that personal political ambitions could derail progress and criticised opposition parties for what he described as internal instability.

“Their inability to manage their own affairs raises serious concerns about their capacity to govern effectively,” Yilwatda stated.

Reaffirming the party’s position, he said the APC remains committed to delivering measurable outcomes that will drive long-term prosperity in the region.

“The North is steadily moving towards economic renewal. With sustained commitment and cooperation, it can become a leading force not only in Nigeria but across Africa,” he added.