Tinubu did not sideline Northern Nigeria in favour of South – Presidency tells Kwankwaso

By DAVID IORJA, Abuja-

Presidency has refuted claims by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is sidelining Northern Nigeria in favor of the South for infrastructural development.

In a statement posted on his official X handle on Friday, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the President, dismissed Kwankwaso’s allegations as baseless, highlighting a robust lineup of ongoing projects across the North.

“The notion that Northern Nigeria is being overlooked is simply untrue,” Dare asserted.

“President Tinubu’s administration is driving transformative initiatives in roads, agriculture, healthcare, and energy to uplift the region.”

Dare pointed to major infrastructure projects, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, the Sokoto–Zamfara–Katsina Road, and the ambitious Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, which is set to enhance connectivity across the North. In agriculture, he highlighted the $158.15 million Agriculture Value Chain Programme spanning nine northern states and the World Bank-supported ACReSAL initiative, aimed at restoring over one million hectares of degraded land in semi-arid areas.

In healthcare, investments include upgrades to the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina, and the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, alongside over 1,000 primary health centers.

The energy sector is also seeing progress with projects like the 50MW ABIBA Solar Power Station in Kaduna to improve electricity access.

Dare further listed key transportation projects, such as the Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maradi rail lines, the rehabilitation of Abuja’s light rail, and critical road developments, including the Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto Dual Carriageway, Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway, and Mararaba–Keffi Road expansion. Additional efforts include the Lafia Bypass, the Biu–Kangiwa–Kamba–Gaya–Niger Republic Road, and repairs to the Gamboru Bridge.

“In just two years, President Tinubu has laid a strong foundation for sustainable development in Northern Nigeria,” Dare emphasized, countering Kwankwaso’s claims.

“These projects reflect a commitment to equitable progress across all regions.”