THE presidency has rejected claims by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso that the Tinubu administration is neglecting Northern Nigeria, insisting the region remains a key focus of federal development efforts.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had alleged during a recent dialogue on constitutional amendments in Kano that the North is being sidelined in favour of the South.
He attributed the deepening poverty and insecurity in the region to this perceived imbalance, citing poor road conditions and abandoned infrastructure projects.
In response, Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, issued a statement today defending the administration’s record.
According to Dare, the Tinubu-led government has prioritized numerous critical projects in Northern Nigeria spanning infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and healthcare.
“The claim that the North has been abandoned is simply not true. President Tinubu’s government is actively executing landmark initiatives in roads, healthcare, gas infrastructure, and agriculture across the region,” Dare said.
Highlighted projects include: The Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline, Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, The Kano–Maradi and Kaduna–Kano Rail Lines, Ongoing works on roads in Borno, Adamawa, and Plateau, Upgrades to teaching hospitals in Zaria, Jos, and Nguru as well as the revitalisation of over 1,000 primary health centres
The statement also referenced key interventions such as the $158 million agriculture value chain project across nine northern states, the Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi and Gombe, and the ACReSAL initiative to restore degraded land.
On the energy front, Dare cited projects like the 614km gas pipeline and the Gwagwalada Power Plant, alongside solar initiatives in Kaduna.
“From infrastructure and agriculture to healthcare and energy, this administration is committed to balanced development. Northern Nigeria is not left behind,” the statement concluded.
Kwankwaso’s comments had followed his road trip from Abuja to Kano, which he described as grueling due to the poor condition of federal roads—a situation he attributed to the government’s misplaced priorities.