By Muhyideen Jimoh
The Presidency has dismissed Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso’s claim that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is neglecting Northern Nigeria in terms of infrastructural development.
Mr Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the President, said this via his official X handle on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Kwankwaso, the 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, had alleged that the Tinubu administration is favouring the South in terms of projects while ignoring the North.
Dare dismissed the claim, citing numerous ongoing projects and development programmes across the region.
“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 referenced key infrastructure projects such as the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway and the Sokoto–Zamfara–Katsina Road.
Dare also highlighted the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway as a major federal investment enhancing northern connectivity.
On agriculture, he cited the 158.15 million dollars Agriculture Value Chain Programme, currently underway in nine northern states.
He mentioned the Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi and Gombe, and the World Bank-funded ACReSAL programme.
ACReSAL is targeting restoration of over one million hectares of degraded land in semi-arid northern areas.
Dare pointed out health sector investments, including upgrades at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and over 1,000 primary health centres.
Other beneficiaries included the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina and the University of Jos Teaching Hospital.
In the transport sector, he listed the Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maradi rail lines, and Abuja’s light rail rehabilitation, among others.
He also cited energy projects like the ABIBA 50MW Solar Power Station in Kaduna, designed to boost electricity access.
Dare listed key roads, including the Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto Dual Carriageway and the Kaduna–Jos Single Carriageway.
Others include: Kano–Kongolam Road, Yakasai–Zalli Road, and the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway
He also mentioned: Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Dual Carriageway, Biu–Kangiwa–Kamba–Gaya–Niger Republic Road, and the Gamboru Bridge repair.
Others are the expansion of the Mararaba–Keffi Road, Lafia Bypass construction, and the Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway.
Dare said that in just two years, Tinubu’s administration has laid a foundation for long-term development in the northern region, contrary to Kwankwaso’s claims of neglect. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)