The Presidency has responded to recent comments made by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, rejecting claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has neglected Northern Nigeria.
According to the Presidency, the region is experiencing substantial federal investment across multiple sectors.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had accused the Tinubu administration of favouring the South, citing worsening poverty, insecurity, and poor infrastructure in the North.
Speaking during a constitutional stakeholders’ meeting in Kano, Kwankwaso referenced a personal experience: a road journey from Abuja to Kano due to a cancelled flight, which he said highlighted the poor condition of infrastructure in the region.
In a swift response, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, described the allegations as “incorrect and misleading.”
Posting on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Dare outlined several federal projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to Northern development.
He cited critical infrastructure initiatives, including:
Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway
Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway
Kano–Kongolam Road
Kaduna–Jos Road
Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway
In addition, Dare pointed to major railway projects such as the Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maradi rail lines, and the ongoing rehabilitation of the Abuja Metro system.
On energy, he mentioned key developments like the 614km Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, the Gwagwalada Power Plant, and planned solar power projects in Kaduna State.
Dare also addressed progress in the agricultural sector, noting:
“The $158.15 million Agricultural Value Chain Development Programme is active in nine Northern states, and the Kolmani Integrated Development Project spans Bauchi and Gombe states.”
He added that under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative, the government is set to restore one million hectares of degraded land in the North.
Healthcare investments were also highlighted, including facility upgrades at:
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (Zaria)
University of Jos Teaching Hospital
Federal Medical Centre, Nguru
Dare revealed that over 1,000 primary health centres are currently being revitalised in northern communities.
Joining the conversation, Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasised the balanced distribution of government programmes:
“The President is not playing politics with development. His footprint is visible across all zones, especially in areas historically underserved,” Alausa said.
Despite the government’s claims, skepticism lingers among residents.
In Katsina, community leader Aminu Bello voiced doubts about the real impact on ordinary people:
“These projects sound impressive, but many of us are yet to feel the impact. People are still hungry and insecure. We want to see the benefits, not just hear about them,” he said.
