As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks his mid-term in office today, May 29, citizens across Northern Nigeria have expressed mixed reactions to his administration's sweeping economic and structural reforms that have significantly impacted the region.

The removal of fuel subsidy, announced during Tinubu's inauguration speech two years ago, remains the most controversial policy of his administration. While economic experts had long advocated for this reform, its implementation has triggered widespread hardship across northern states.

Muhammad Taoheed, an Abuja-based researcher, described the aftermath as "devastating" with skyrocketing prices of essential commodities. "Transport alone gulps so much of my income despite the fact that I work virtually sometimes. It's not just me—millions of Nigerians are in the same sinking boat," he lamented.

In Kano, businesswoman Hajara Abdullahi expressed frustration that despite government palliatives and social investment programs, "the hardship keeps biting harder because the government has failed to provide concrete and effective measures to cushion the effects."

Industrial Slowdown and Job Losses

The economic reforms have triggered significant job losses across northern states. Ahmad Bello from Sokoto, who previously earned ₦40,000 monthly at a leather printing factory in Kano, lost his job when the factory downsized due to rising operational costs.

"Our Oga said he couldn't afford to keep all of us. He kept the old staff and fired us – new workers. Now, I do odd jobs to survive. Life has become something else," Bello said, reflecting a wider trend where small and medium enterprises have either folded or scaled down operations due to fuel price hikes, forex fluctuations, and inflation.

Allegations of Regional Favoritism

Some northerners perceive the administration's policies as deliberately sidelining the region's interests. Political analyst Muhammad Tukur Ibrahim pointed to stalled oil exploration efforts in the North that had gained momentum under former President Buhari.

"We saw oil exploration efforts in the North under Buhari. Tinubu came in and started well, but now that project is dead. Why? Because it's not in the South. This government plays favoritism," Ibrahim claimed, echoing concerns about disproportionate concentration of federal infrastructure and appointments in southern states.

Positive Developments Amid Challenges

Despite the challenges, some northerners acknowledge positive aspects of Tinubu's administration. Baba Abdullahi Machina from Yobe praised the increase in minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, calling it "bold and commendable" and "a clear attempt to adjust to the new cost of living and improve workers' welfare."

Machina also commended the enforcement of local government financial autonomy and the newly introduced Student Loan scheme, though he cautioned that mechanisms must be put in place "to prevent corruption and ensure the intended beneficiaries actually benefit."

Kano-based social commentator Aminu Abdullahi noted potential in government initiatives like the 3 MTT program but warned that "the impact has been uneven, and many rural communities are still excluded."

Security Concerns Persist

Security remains a significant challenge for the northern region despite increased defense budgets. Umar Rufai from Katsina observed that while there are reports of new fighter jets and tactical operations, "in some rural areas, farmers are still paying bandits to access their lands. People remain vulnerable to kidnappers, especially in border communities."

As President Tinubu presents his administration's achievements today, citizens like Ahmad Bello are calling for sustainable solutions to current challenges. "We want the government to impact our lives positively and not to make decisions that make everyday a daily struggle for the masses," Bello emphasized.