Northern Nigeria accounts for bulk of N330bn social support, says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that 78 percent of the beneficiaries of the federal government’s N330 billion social protection programme are from northern Nigeria.

Tinubu, represented by Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, made this known on Monday at the Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit (NNIIS) 2025 in Abuja.

According to him, the funds—distributed through direct benefit transfers—have reached 8.1 million households nationwide, with 2.4 million households already receiving two tranches. He stressed that the process is verifiable as each beneficiary is uniquely identified.

The president said northern Nigeria holds the key to the country’s economic future, given its vast arable land, mineral resources, and energy potential. He noted that fully developing the region’s mining, agriculture, and power sectors would guarantee food security, boost exports, and accelerate industrialisation.

Tinubu also highlighted economic reforms under his administration, including subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, and fiscal restructuring, which he said have created “record resources” for states and local governments. He cited recent gains such as a 4.23 percent GDP growth in Q2 2025, industrial output doubling year-on-year, five consecutive months of easing inflation, reserves rising to $42 billion, and a more stable naira.

“Our prosperity is inseparable from the future of northern Nigeria. The region is not just part of our country; it is the engine of our nation,” Tinubu said.

He further pledged federal support for major infrastructure projects such as the Sokoto–Badagry highway, irrigation dams, and energy corridors designed to connect agro-industrial hubs to markets and ports.

The summit, themed “Unlocking Strategic Opportunities in Mining, Agriculture and Power”, was convened by the Northern Elders Forum with the participation of governors, ministers, private sector leaders, and development partners.