Abdulaziz Abdulaziz: Tinubu Administration Driving Economic Reform, Infrastructure Across Nigeria

  Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, SSA Print Media to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In an exclusive interview with Freedom Radio, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, th...

 

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, SSA Print Media to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In an exclusive interview with Freedom Radio, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, the Senior Special Assistant on Print Media to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, provides an in-depth look at the administration’s achievements in economic reform, infrastructure development, and national investment. From stabilising the naira and boosting state revenues to completing long-stalled road and gas projects in northern Nigeria, Abdulaziz explains how the government is strategically transforming the country’s economy while ensuring that long-term benefits reach all Nigerians. He also addresses perceptions of regional bias, highlighting why investment naturally concentrates in economic hubs and how this ultimately supports national growth.

Mr Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, as we bid farewell to this year, what can Nigerians reflect on as the achievements of this government?

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz: As you mentioned, we are now closing the 12th month of 2025. Looking back, many significant events took place. I would describe it like navigating through a dense forest—a difficult and almost impossible journey. Yet, through God’s guidance and the diligence and determination of our leaders, we have finally reached a point of clarity and light.

Those who recall the early days of this administration know there was a period marked by confusion, complaints, and uncertainty. When President Bola Tinubu came into office, he brought a mindset that was unprecedented. What do I mean by unprecedented? Typically, politicians seek popularity—they want to be applauded wherever they go. And what usually earns applause? Doing things that please people, even if they are not necessarily right.

For example, if a border is closed, simply opening it may win applause, even if it’s not entirely beneficial. Or if fuel prices are high, reducing them might make the people happy, as some previous governments have done.

Such measures may earn temporary popularity or goodwill during a leader’s tenure, but they do not necessarily contribute to the long-term development of the nation.

President Tinubu, however, introduced a mindset that challenged years of complacency and neglect. He recognised that while the country appeared stable on the surface, its foundations were eroding and corruption was undermining its structures. Even if reforms cause temporary discomfort, as the political singer Rarara says, “A good doctor never hesitates to do what is right.” You cannot fix a deep-seated problem by ignoring the cries of the patient.

In essence, Nigerians are undergoing necessary reforms aimed at creating lasting benefits for the country. That is why the early days of this government were particularly challenging.

Alhamdulillah, since last year, we have started to see real positive changes. For example, in the past, many people were hesitant to do business in Nigeria because of currency instability—many did not even know the true value of the naira. Traders were afraid to import goods. I personally know many who stopped bringing in goods from abroad due to the uncertainty. You would go to the market to make a purchase, and first, they would call to check the dollar price before quoting the amount in naira. This illustrates how unpredictable the business environment has become.

There was a time when food and other essential commodities became extremely expensive, creating widespread hardship. But today, Alhamdulillah, we have moved past many of these challenges. The naira is now more stable, and goods can be purchased at any time without fear. Foreign investors and businesses can now bring in their funds and operate smoothly.

When this government came in, we inherited a situation where foreign airlines alone were owed nearly 11 billion dollars—revenue from ticket sales collected in naira but trapped and unavailable in dollars. Some airlines even stopped flying to Nigeria due to this uncertainty. Since this administration took over, these debts have been reduced, restoring stability and confidence in the sector.

Today, food prices are much more reasonable. Every Nigerian can go to the market and buy staples without difficulty. For instance, a government-standard bag of rice, which previously cost as much as 90,000 naira in some areas, has now fallen to around 60,000 naira. These measures were difficult, yes, but they ultimately benefit the people.

I also know people often ask, “Where is the money being spent?” Any traveller moving beyond their home city can see it: government funds are being invested in infrastructure projects that directly benefit Nigerians and stimulate economic growth.

Take, for example, the road being constructed from Sokoto. Forested areas have been cleared, and a new route is being built that will eventually stretch all the way to Lagos. This road will connect hundreds of towns and villages along its path. Construction is already underway, and some sections are now accessible from Sokoto and Kebbi states.

If you travel now, you’ll see that the road from Zaria to Gusau to Sokoto is under construction. Similarly, the highway from Abuja to Kano is being upgraded and expanded. The President has personally directed that these roads must be completed.

In Jigawa State, heading toward Daura, or from Kano to Katsina, or from Kaduna to Kano, you will see railway lines under construction, designed to connect these regions. The railway will run from Kaduna to Kano, then to Katsina, onward to Jigawa, through Kazaure to Daura, and eventually link to Maradi in the Republic of Niger. This is a major infrastructure project—an important milestone in national development.

On the energy front, one of the government’s priorities is transitioning from petroleum and other polluting fuels to cleaner alternatives. Nigeria has abundant natural gas, which is more environmentally friendly and accessible. Since the removal of fuel subsidies, the government has focused on developing gas infrastructure. The Ajaokuta–Abuja–Kaduna–Kano gas pipeline is nearing completion, and Insha Allah, it will be fully operational in the coming year. Most of the projects I have mentioned are scheduled for completion within the next year.

Some projects are already finished. For example, the Abuja–Makurdi road is in excellent condition, and the Jos–Bauchi highway is under construction. All of these developments have been made possible by increased government revenue. When this administration came in, Nigeria had even stopped borrowing due to economic challenges.

Currently, federal recruitment is ongoing, focusing on security personnel. Fifty-seven thousand officers have been recently recruited, alongside around thirty thousand for immigration, civil defence, and prison services. Recruitment began several months ago and continues across various sectors.

The fifty-seven thousand security personnel—what groups do they belong to?

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz: They include police and military personnel. The thirty thousand others are for immigration, civil defence, and prison services. Beyond that, many other government agencies are hiring regularly. If you open any newspaper today, you will see ministries and agencies actively recruiting across multiple sectors.

All of this is possible because of the available funding. When this administration took over, many states were in arrears on salaries, and even the federal government struggled to pay workers. Today, Alhamdulillah, salaries are being paid in many states, and infrastructure projects are progressing. In northern states, much of the funding comes from the federal government, and because revenue has increased, development projects can move forward.

So, if anyone asks whether the government is working, the answer is clear: the progress is a direct result of Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership.

So, the governors are benefiting from resources beyond what their states would normally receive?

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz: Absolutely. Governors are benefiting from funds provided by the federal government, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has opened new channels for increasing state revenue. For example, a state that previously received 25 million naira may now receive 40 million, or even 50 million. Their revenue has significantly increased, and the governors themselves acknowledge this.

Some say that in just the past two years, some states have received nearly as much as others did in eight years. For example, what about Kano State?

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz: Absolutely! This is true for many states. That’s why I say, even if you compare a governor’s or administration’s performance over four or eight years, including these past two years, it changes the picture entirely. The amounts of funds received are substantial.

But the value of money is not always the same, for example, the projects that the funds can accomplish. Even with higher amounts, how does it compare to previous years?

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz: That’s correct, because of inflation. At one point, even though nominal amounts were high, their real value had fallen significantly. Today, however, the value of money has stabilised. It’s not an exact comparison, of course. For instance, when the dollar was around 600 naira before, and now it’s over 1,000 naira, most of our spending is not in dollars. Salaries have been increased, though not dramatically. For example, if Kano State previously paid five billion naira in monthly salaries, that figure has not changed drastically, but salaries are being paid reliably, and new employees continue to be hired.

All of this reflects what is called “financial engineering”—the restructuring of Nigeria’s economy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, producing tangible, visible results.

If you look at foreign investors bringing capital into Nigeria, this is a major indicator of economic progress. A weak economy discourages investment. Business is not charity; investors are not giving money for free. They invest to earn a return and want to see tangible benefits from their capital.

Today, we are seeing a growing inflow of foreign investment. Funds are coming in to establish companies, build power projects, construct railways, and develop other infrastructure, because investors now see that Nigeria’s economy is improving.

Even in the oil sector, major companies that previously left Nigeria are now seeking to return. At least two or three large firms, which had exited in the past, are requesting to resume operations, and some have already returned.

From what you’ve described, these developments could potentially benefit almost all Nigerians. You have highlighted specific projects in the northern region—roads, gas pipelines, and so on. Yet, some people feel that most of the country’s gains are concentrated in the south, perhaps because the President is from there. How do you respond?

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz: When this administration took office, many infrastructure projects were already underway in northern Nigeria. Some had been initiated under President Muhammadu Buhari’s government—some had barely started, others were in early planning stages. In the south, there were comparatively fewer projects, aside from the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and the East-West Road, including the Second Niger Bridge, which has largely been completed or is near completion.

In the north, however, there were many high-cost projects in progress. Some were incomplete or delayed, but this administration has continued them. People often focus on who started a project, asking, “Who gets the credit?” But a just and forward-looking leader focuses on completing projects that benefit the people, rather than taking credit for starting them.

We do not concern ourselves with the fact that Buhari may have started roads like Kano–Kaduna or Abuja–Lokoja. What matters is that this government is committed to completing them. Had this administration taken a sectional or partisan approach, it could have abandoned northern projects, leaving them incomplete. But that is not the case; these projects are being finished.

Remember, some projects have been ongoing for over twenty years, like the Abuja–Lokoja road or the Kano–Maiduguri highway, started under Obasanjo’s or Yar’Adua’s governments. This administration’s priority is to complete inherited projects so that all Nigerians can benefit, regardless of who originally initiated them.

Take, for example, the Kano–Katsina road. When this administration took over, work had stalled, but now it is back on track. The Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas project was initially only about 40 per cent complete, but it has now reached around 80 to 85 per cent.

Similarly, the Kaduna–Kano–Maradi road had barely begun, with only about 15 per cent completed. Today, it has progressed to roughly 80 per cent. These examples demonstrate that the government has a clear and constructive vision for northern Nigeria. Work is progressing—not only on inherited projects, as I have emphasised.

Even when there were funding challenges, projects were not halted, and workers were not reassigned elsewhere. The administration ensured continuity.

I also want to address a perception held by some—that development is overly concentrated in Lagos or the southern region.

In every country, there is an economic hub, and naturally, that is where the bulk of activity and investment occurs. It is unrealistic to expect every region to match the economic output of the hub.

For instance, in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah is the economic centre, home to industries and major commercial activity. Other provinces do not match Jeddah’s development, and that is normal.

In the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is the economic engine, even though the country comprises several other emirates. Development is naturally concentrated there.

In the United States, New York is the financial and commercial hub, though the country has 51 states. It would not make sense to replicate everything from New York in California or North Carolina, which are not central to the national economy.

Even in the United Kingdom, London’s Heathrow Airport serves as the main economic hub, with continuous expansions to support commerce. Projects of that scale are not replicated in Newcastle or Leeds merely for uniformity.

So, when people say, “Contracts were awarded for Lagos Airport or Eko Atlantic,” we must understand that this is where Nigeria’s economic activity is concentrated. Investment in these areas benefits the country as a whole.

To be continued....