The Presidency has dismissed allegations by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is neglecting the North.
Kwankwaso, during a stakeholders’ dialogue on the 2025 constitutional amendment held in Kano on Thursday, accused the federal government of prioritising the South at the expense of the North, which he said is grappling with poverty, insecurity, and decaying infrastructure.
He cited the poor condition of federal roads as a case in point, recounting how a cancelled flight forced him to travel by road from Abuja to Kano via Kaduna — a journey he described as “hellish” due to the dilapidated road network.
‘Kwankwaso’s claims are baseless’
Reacting on Friday through a post on his X handle, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said the claims were unfounded.
“The assertion that Northern Nigeria has been neglected is incorrect. The Tinubu administration is implementing numerous landmark projects in the region spanning roads, energy, agriculture, and healthcare,” Dare stated.
He cited major infrastructure works such as the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, and the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline as evidence of ongoing development.
Key projects in the North
Dare also referenced a $158.15 million Agricultural Value Chain programme covering nine Northern states and the Kolmani Integrated Development Project located in Bauchi and Gombe States. Other initiatives include the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project aimed at reclaiming one million hectares of degraded land.
On healthcare, he pointed to upgrades at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria; University of Jos Teaching Hospital; and the Federal Medical Centre, Nguru. He added that about 1,000 primary healthcare centres have been revitalised across the region.
Focus on energy and transport
The presidential aide noted progress in energy projects such as the Gwagwalada Power Plant, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline, and new solar projects in Kaduna. He also mentioned rail initiatives, including the Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maradi Rail Lines, as well as the ongoing rehabilitation of the Abuja Metro.
“From transport and energy to agriculture and healthcare, this administration is delivering on its promises to the North,” Dare emphasised.
He assured Nigerians that President Tinubu remains committed to balanced national development across all regions of the country.
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