Presidency Rebuts Neglect Claims, Says Northern Nigeria Fully Covered Under Tinubu

The Presidency has pushed back against claims that the northern region has been sidelined under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, insisting that a range of major infrastructure and development projects are underway across Northern Nigeria.

This response follows remarks made by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who raised concerns during a constitutional stakeholders’ forum in Kano. Kwankwaso had alleged that federal resources were being disproportionately allocated to the South, while the North faced deepening poverty, worsening insecurity, and crumbling infrastructure—particularly poor federal road conditions that he experienced firsthand during a road trip from Abuja to Kano.

Countering the accusations, Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, stated that the Tinubu administration is actively delivering on its commitment to national development without regional bias.

He pointed to several high-impact projects currently ongoing in the North, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, and the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline. Dare also cited the $158.15 million Agriculture Value Chain initiative spanning nine northern states, along with the Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi and Gombe, and the expansive ACReSAL land restoration scheme covering one million hectares.

Healthcare infrastructure is also being upgraded, with investments made in institutions such as Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, University of Jos Teaching Hospital, and Federal Medical Centre in Nguru. Additionally, over 1,000 primary health centres in northern communities are undergoing revitalisation.

Other road projects mentioned include the Kano–Kongolam Road, Kaduna–Jos Road, and sections of the Kano–Maiduguri Highway, alongside rehabilitation efforts in Borno and Adamawa states.

On energy, Dare noted the construction of the 614-kilometre Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline and the Gwagwalada Power Plant, as well as proposed solar energy projects in Kaduna. Rail infrastructure is also being developed, with work progressing on the Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maradi rail lines, as well as the Abuja Metro project.

“From roads and power to agriculture and healthcare, the North is fully integrated into the government’s development agenda,” he concluded.