Kaduna: Northern political stakeholders, academics, youth groups, and civil society actors gathered at Arewa House Kaduna for a town hall organized by the PBAT Door-To-Door Movement to appraise the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, themed ‘Critical Appraisal of Government and Reforms Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the 2027 Question,’ focused on discussions regarding economic reforms, governance, infrastructure development, fiscal policies, and national stability. Mr. Sunday Adekanbi, National Coordinator of the Movement, stated that the forum aimed to encourage honest conversations around the administration’s policies and counter misconceptions regarding ongoing reforms.
Adekanbi emphasized the importance of addressing the ‘2027 question,’ arguing that the continuity of the current reform agenda is essential for sustainable national development. He highlighted President Tinubu’s leadership in implementing what he described as a ‘silent yet systematic revolution’ across various critical sectors.
Mr. Sunday Dare, Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, delivered the keynote address, stating that Nigeria is transitioning from reforms to recovery due to bold economic measures introduced by the administration. Dare acknowledged the temporary hardships caused by these reforms but stressed their necessity for long-term prosperity and competitiveness.
Dare noted significant decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange reforms, and revenue restructuring, which were essential to avoiding fiscal collapse. He remarked that previous administrations had shied away from these necessary measures.
Prof. Solomon Gushibet, Head of the Center for Financial Economics at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru-Jos, stated that the Tinubu administration inherited an economy plagued by structural distortions, fiscal leakages, and declining investor confidence. He asserted that reforms like the fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification mark a shift from economic dependency to productivity-driven development.
Gushibet acknowledged existing challenges, including insecurity, rising living costs, debt pressures, and implementation gaps in certain policy areas. He called for strengthened social intervention programs and improved communication around reforms to address public concerns and alleviate economic hardship.
Mr. Ahmed Maiyaki, Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, highlighted the benefits of increased federal allocations following the removal of the fuel subsidy. He cited initiatives such as the introduction of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for free transportation and significant investments in education, security, and healthcare across Kaduna State.
The stakeholders at the forum advocated for sustained national dialogue, policy consistency, and inclusive governance to consolidate the gains of ongoing reforms and strengthen democratic stability ahead of the 2027 elections.