Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Communication, has pushed back against claims by former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso that the federal government has neglected northern Nigeria. Kwankwaso alleged that the government has concentrated resources in one part of the country, citing poor infrastructure and rising poverty in the north.
However, Dare highlighted numerous projects initiated by the Tinubu administration in the north, spanning various sectors. In agriculture, the government has launched the $158.15 million Value Chain North project, which covers nine states in the region. Additionally, the Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi and Gombe aims to boost agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers. The World Bank-funded ACReSAL climate resilience initiative is another significant project that will help communities in the north adapt to climate change.
In terms of road infrastructure, the government has made significant investments in the north. The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano expressway is a major project that will improve connectivity and facilitate trade in the region. Other notable projects include the Sokoto-Badagry expressway, the Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina route, and 33 highway projects, including the Kano-Kongolam road and the Mararaba-Keffi road expansion.
The government has also prioritized healthcare in the north. The upgrades to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria and Jos University Teaching Hospital will improve medical care and provide better facilities for patients. Furthermore, the government has improved over 1,000 primary healthcare centers, increasing access to healthcare services for millions of people in the north.
In the energy sector, the government has launched several projects to improve power supply in the north. The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline will provide a stable source of energy for industries and households. The Gwagwalada Power Plant and solar energy projects in Kaduna are also significant initiatives that will increase electricity generation and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The transportation sector has also received significant attention from the government. The Kaduna-Kano and Kano-Maradi rail projects will improve connectivity and facilitate trade in the region. The N100 billion budget for Kaduna Light Rail system and the rehabilitation of Abuja’s metro line are also notable projects that will improve transportation infrastructure in the north.
Dare emphasized that these projects demonstrate the government’s commitment to developing the north, contradicting Kwankwaso’s claims of neglect. He concluded that President Tinubu’s administration has made significant investments in the region, with over 40 projects and programs launched or sustained in just two years. The government’s efforts aim to improve the lives of millions of people in the north and promote economic development in the region.
