Presidency Denies Neglect of Northern Nigeria Under Tinubu, Counters Kwankwaso’s Claims

The Presidency has dismissed allegations made by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is neglecting the northern region in terms of development and infrastructure.

In a statement released on Friday, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, refuted the claims, insisting that the North is not being sidelined under the current administration.

“The claim that Northern Nigeria has been left behind is incorrect. The Tinubu administration has initiated and continued several landmark projects in the North, covering roads, agriculture, healthcare, and energy,” Dare stated.

Ongoing Projects in Northern Nigeria

To support his position, Dare listed several high-impact projects across the North, including: Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline, Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi and Gombe

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He also highlighted a $158.15 million agriculture value chain programme across nine northern states, and major energy investments such as: Gwagwalada Power Plant and Solar projects planned in Kaduna.

Healthcare and Education Investments

Dare added that Northern medical institutions like Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (Zaria), University of Jos Teaching Hospital, and Federal Medical Centre (Nguru) are receiving upgrades. He also mentioned that over 1,000 primary health centres are being revitalized in the region.

Rail and Road Infrastructure

In terms of transportation, the Presidency pointed to ongoing rail and road projects: Kaduna–Kano Rail Line, Kano–Maradi Rail Line, Abuja Metro rehabilitation, Kano–Kongolam Road, Kaduna–Jos Road, Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway.

“Northern Nigeria is not left behind. From road networks to gas pipelines, agriculture, health, and rail, this administration has the North well covered,” Dare reaffirmed.

Kwankwaso’s Original Allegation

Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had on Thursday accused the Tinubu government of favoring the southern region. Speaking during a stakeholders’ dialogue on the 2025 constitutional amendment in Kano, he described the state of federal roads in the North as deplorable.

He specifically recounted a frustrating road journey from Abuja to Kano after his flight was cancelled, calling it a “hellish experience” due to the poor road conditions.