The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) is poised to host a pivotal two-day interactive session in Kaduna on June 24th and 25th, 2025, to meticulously assess the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This event, initially slated for May but postponed due to the Hajj pilgrimage, aims to foster transparency and accountability in governance by reviewing the progress made on the electoral promises presented by then-candidate Tinubu during the 2022 presidential campaign. The SABMF, recognizing the importance of citizen engagement in democratic processes, intends to use this platform to facilitate a robust dialogue between government representatives and the public, focusing particularly on the administration’s impact on Northern Nigeria. This initiative echoes a similar move by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), highlighting a growing focus on evaluating governmental performance and its alignment with regional interests.
The upcoming interactive session builds upon a previous engagement held by the SABMF in October 2022, where prominent presidential candidates, including Tinubu, outlined their manifestos and commitments towards Northern Nigeria’s development. Now, two years into Tinubu’s presidency, the foundation seeks to evaluate the tangible progress made on these pledges. The session will feature high-level presentations and interactive discussions with key figures from the Federal Government, offering detailed briefings on crucial sectors such as national security, agriculture and food security, infrastructure, social services, governance, and the economy. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a holistic view of the administration’s performance across various sectors impacting the lives of Nigerians.
The SABMF emphasizes the importance of fostering trust between the government and its citizens. By providing a platform for open and honest dialogue, the foundation aims to strengthen the democratic process and ensure that governance remains responsive, inclusive, and accountable. The interactive sessions will not only highlight achievements but also address challenges, explore potential solutions, and align expectations for the continued development of Northern Nigeria and the nation as a whole. This approach underscores the foundation’s commitment to fostering constructive engagement and collaborative problem-solving.
The evaluation will encompass a range of critical areas. The foundation will assess the administration’s efforts to enhance national security and stability, examining strategies to combat insecurity and promote peaceful coexistence. Furthermore, it will evaluate initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security, addressing the crucial need to enhance food production and accessibility. The session will also review advancements in physical infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other essential services, evaluating the government’s progress in providing basic amenities and improving the quality of life for Nigerians. Finally, the evaluation will examine policies designed to foster economic growth, transparency, and effective governance, assessing the administration’s approach to economic development and its commitment to transparent and accountable governance.
The postponement of the event from its original dates in May to June 24th and 25th was necessitated by the ongoing Hajj operation, a significant religious event for Muslims across the region and the country. The decision to reschedule reflects the foundation’s sensitivity to the importance of the Hajj and its desire to ensure maximum participation in the interactive session. The new dates provide ample time for participants to fulfill their religious obligations and subsequently engage in the crucial dialogue concerning the nation’s progress.
The SABMF’s initiative aligns with a broader trend of increased scrutiny of government performance, as evidenced by the Arewa Consultative Forum’s (ACF) similar undertaking. The ACF’s announcement of a special committee to evaluate the impact of President Tinubu’s policies on northern Nigeria reflects a growing emphasis on regional interests and the need for policies that specifically address the challenges and opportunities facing the North. Both the SABMF and the ACF’s actions signal a growing demand for accountability and responsiveness from the government, emphasizing the importance of citizen engagement in shaping the nation’s future. This convergence of efforts highlights the shared concern for assessing the effectiveness of government policies and ensuring they align with the needs and aspirations of the people, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
