The Presidency has refuted allegations by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), that the North is being sidelined under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Responding to Kwankwaso’s remarks at a constitutional amendment dialogue in Kano, the Presidency emphasized that numerous key projects and programmes are actively ongoing in the North.
Kwankwaso had decried worsening poverty and insecurity in the region, claiming that national resources were being skewed towards the South. He also cited his recent road journey from Abuja to Kano, which he described as “hellish” due to poor infrastructure.
Reacting via a post on his X handle on Friday, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, challenged Kwankwaso’s assertions.
“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 said.
He outlined major infrastructure, health, energy, and agricultural projects being implemented across Northern states to buttress the government’s commitment.
The Presidency outlined several major infrastructure and development projects currently underway in Northern Nigeria to counter claims of neglect. These include key road projects like the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, and the Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway.
Other major efforts include the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline, rail lines such as the Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maradi routes, and the rehabilitation of the Abuja Metro.
Pojects like the $158.15 million Agriculture Value Chain programme across nine Northern states, the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, and the ACReSAL land restoration initiative are driving economic and environmental resilience.
The region is also benefiting from healthcare investments, including upgrades to teaching hospitals and 1,000 revitalised primary health centres, as well as new energy and solar initiatives to support regional growth.
“Northern Nigeria is not left behind. From road networks to gas pipelines, agriculture, health, and rail, this administration has the North well covered,” he stressed.
