The Presidency has dismissed allegations made by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria Peoples Party’s (NNPP) 2023 presidential candidate, claiming that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is neglecting the northern region.
Kwankwaso made the comments during a constitutional review meeting in Kano on Thursday. He expressed concern that national resources are being unevenly distributed in favour of the South, leaving the North with worsening poverty, insecurity, and deteriorating infrastructure. He specifically described a recent road journey from Abuja to Kano—forced by a flight cancellation—as extremely difficult due to the poor condition of the highways.
Responding on Friday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, refuted Kwankwaso’s claims. He stressed that the federal government is actively executing several large-scale projects in the North aimed at boosting infrastructure, agriculture, health, and energy.
Dare cited key infrastructure projects currently underway, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, and the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline. He also mentioned a $158.15 million agricultural value chain programme across nine northern states and the Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi and Gombe states.
Environmental efforts were also highlighted, such as the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative, which seeks to restore a million hectares of degraded land.
In the health sector, Dare noted ongoing upgrades at institutions like the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria, the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre in Nguru. He further mentioned the revitalisation of about 1,000 primary healthcare centres across northern communities.
Major road projects listed include the Kano–Kongolam Road, Kaduna–Jos Road, Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway, and road rehabilitation efforts in Borno and Adamawa states.
On the energy front, Dare pointed to the continued work on the 614-kilometre AKK gas pipeline, the construction of the Gwagwalada power plant, and proposed solar energy projects in Kaduna. Rail transport developments include the Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maradi rail lines, along with the rehabilitation of the Abuja Metro system.
He concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to balanced national development:
“Northern Nigeria is not being sidelined. From road construction to energy infrastructure, agricultural investments, healthcare, and rail transport, the North remains a major focus of this government.”
