By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Kaduna — The Arewa Political Awareness Movement (APAM) has commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as remarkable progress across key sectors of the Nigerian economy, urging citizens to remain informed and actively engaged in governance.

Speaking at a Public Sensitization Programme on Key Government Policies and Reforms in Kaduna, the Convener of APAM, Jabir T. Usman, said the forum was organised to promote civic responsibility, national unity and public understanding of government initiatives.

Usman explained that APAM, a grassroots mobilisation platform, is committed to educating young people and communities on politics, governance and public policy through dialogue and engagement.

“Democracy thrives when citizens are informed, conscious and actively involved in governance. This is why we consistently create platforms where facts replace rumours, knowledge replaces ignorance and constructive dialogue replaces division,” he said.

Reviewing the administration’s performance within two and a half years, Usman stressed that leadership should be measured by tangible impact rather than rhetoric. He said the Tinubu administration had recorded notable achievements in education, healthcare, agriculture, security, infrastructure and the economy, with policies designed to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

In the education sector, he described the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the most transformative initiatives, noting that it has enabled students from less privileged backgrounds to access tertiary education without financial barriers.

He also praised the approval of a pension scheme that grants retired university professors benefits equivalent to their annual salaries, saying the policy restores dignity to the teaching profession and promotes academic excellence. According to him, the establishment of new federal universities—particularly specialised institutions in health and sciences in Kachia, Azare, Tsafe and Funtua—underscores the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education.

Usman further highlighted the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which aims to equip three million youths with digital skills such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and data science by 2027.

On healthcare, he cited the restructuring of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) as a life-saving intervention that provides free ambulance services and emergency care within the first 48 hours of admission. He also pointed to the expansion of cancer treatment centres, the revitalisation of more than 1,000 primary healthcare facilities and the increase in health insurance coverage from 16 million to 20 million Nigerians.

In agriculture, Usman said the injection of ₦130 billion into the National Agricultural Development Fund was a strategic move to boost food production, strengthen food security and reduce dependence on imports. He described the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a historic step toward modern ranching, improved animal husbandry and peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

Addressing security, the APAM convener said improved coordination among security agencies and enhanced intelligence sharing under the National Security Adviser had contributed to the neutralisation of criminal elements and improved stability in parts of the North-West and North-East. He added that these efforts have weakened extremist groups and allowed displaced persons to gradually return to their communities.

On economic reforms, Usman referenced the Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to local governments, describing it as a move that would deepen grassroots development despite implementation challenges. He also noted that monetary policy adjustments by the Central Bank of Nigeria have contributed to exchange rate stabilisation and renewed investor confidence.

“Increased federal allocations to states following fiscal reforms have given governors greater capacity to deliver development projects. Citizens must not only hold the President accountable but also ensure that state governments translate these resources into meaningful development,” he said.

Usman also highlighted progress in energy and infrastructure, including increased oil production, investments in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), off-grid electricity projects and ongoing railway developments such as the Kaduna–Kano line.

He concluded by stressing the need for sustained public enlightenment on government programmes.

“It is our moral and civic duty to enlighten Nigerians about what government is doing in their favour. What we have shared today is only the tip of the iceberg. APAM will continue to engage, educate and mobilise the people with factual information on national development,” he said.