The Presidency has rejected assertions made by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has neglected the North.
The presidency emphasized that numerous vital projects and programs are currently being executed in the region.
During a stakeholders’ dialogue on the 2025 constitutional amendment in Kano, Kwankwaso expressed concerns that national resources are disproportionately favoring the southern region, which has led to increased poverty and insecurity in the North. He criticized the poor state of federal roads in northern states, sharing a personal experience of a challenging road journey from Abuja to Kano due to a canceled flight.
In response, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, refuted Kwankwaso’s claims through a post on X. He asserted, “It is incorrect to say that Northern Nigeria has been neglected. The Tinubu administration has initiated and is continuing numerous significant projects in the North, concerning roads, agriculture, healthcare, and energy.”
Dare provided details about various ongoing infrastructure, health, energy, and agricultural initiatives across northern states to illustrate the government’s commitment. Among these projects are the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, and the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline.
He mentioned a $158.15 million Agriculture Value Chain program covering nine northern states and the Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi and Gombe. Additional initiatives also include the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project aimed at restoring one million hectares of degraded land.
Dare highlighted the expansion and new investments in facilities such as the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria, University of Jos Teaching Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre in Nguru, as well as the revitalization of approximately 1,000 primary health centers in the North.
He listed major road projects like the Kano–Kongolam Road, Kaduna–Jos Road, and the Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway, along with the rehabilitation of essential corridors in Borno and Adamawa states.
On the energy front, Dare pointed out the ongoing 614 km Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline, the Gwagwalada Power Plant, and upcoming solar projects in Kaduna. He also noted rail projects, including the Kaduna–Kano Rail Line, the Kano–Maradi Rail Line, and the Abuja Metro rehabilitation.
“Northern Nigeria is not being neglected. This administration has ensured comprehensive coverage for the North in areas of road networks, gas pipelines, agriculture, health, and rail,” he emphasized.
