*From Stabilising the Naira to Reviving Railways: How the Administration is Delivering Tangible Change * Foreign Investors Return, Roads Con...
*From Stabilising the Naira to Reviving Railways: How the Administration is Delivering Tangible Change
*Foreign Investors Return, Roads Connect Communities, and Development Reaches Every Corner of the Nation
By Muhammad A. Abubakar
In an exclusive interview with Freedom Radio, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant on Print Media to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, offered an in-depth look at the government’s achievements over the past year, highlighting the administration’s drive to reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure national growth benefits every citizen.
Abdulaziz described the early days of the Tinubu administration as navigating a “dense forest” of challenges, with uncertainty and confusion rampant. Unlike previous leaders, who often prioritised short-term popularity, President Tinubu adopted a mindset focused on the long-term health of the nation. While some reforms have caused temporary discomfort, they have been necessary to stabilise the economy and build sustainable foundations for growth.
One of the administration’s major achievements, according to Abdulaziz, has been stabilising the naira and restoring confidence in the business environment. Traders who once hesitated to import goods due to currency instability now operate without fear, and essential commodities, including food staples, have become more accessible and affordable. Abdulaziz cited the reduction in the cost of a government-standard bag of rice from as high as 90,000 naira to around 60,000 naira in many areas as a clear example of tangible improvements in Nigerians’ daily lives.
The administration has also addressed long-standing infrastructural gaps, particularly in northern Nigeria. Major road projects are underway, connecting towns and cities previously isolated by poor transport networks. The Sokoto–Zaria–Gusau route, the Abuja–Kano highway, and other critical roads are being upgraded, while the Kaduna–Kano–Maradi railway promises to transform regional trade and mobility. Energy infrastructure has also received significant attention, with the near-completion of the Ajaokuta–Abuja–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, which will deliver cleaner, more reliable energy to millions of Nigerians. Many of these projects, some delayed for decades, are now moving forward under the Tinubu administration.
Abdulaziz highlighted that these investments are possible because of the government’s enhanced revenue streams, which allow federal funds to support state projects and enable governors to invest more in local development. Salaries are now being paid reliably across states, and federal recruitment drives continue to strengthen security and civil service sectors. The administration’s approach to economic restructuring, referred to by Abdulaziz as “financial engineering,” has encouraged foreign investors to return to Nigeria, bringing capital for infrastructure, power, and industrial projects.
Addressing concerns of perceived regional bias, Abdulaziz clarified that development naturally clusters around economic hubs. Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial engine, receives significant investment, just as cities like New York, London, or Dubai do in other countries. He emphasised that the government’s approach ensures that northern and southern regions alike benefit from these initiatives. In fact, ongoing projects in northern Nigeria—including roads, railways, and gas pipelines—demonstrate that the administration is committed to completing inherited projects, irrespective of where they were started or who gets credit.
Abdulaziz concluded that the progress achieved so far—from economic stabilisation to infrastructure development—is a direct result of President Tinubu’s leadership and vision. He stressed that these reforms are designed to deliver lasting, nationwide benefits, creating a foundation for a more stable, prosperous, and unified Nigeria.
As the year closes, Nigerians are invited to reflect on tangible improvements in their daily lives, the revival of long-stalled projects, and a government determined to place the country on a trajectory of sustainable growth. With infrastructure reshaping the nation, foreign investment flowing in, and reforms steadily taking hold, the Tinubu administration’s agenda is proving that bold leadership can yield lasting transformation.
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