Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has strongly refuted recent claims made by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso that the current administration has focused development efforts solely on Southern Nigeria while neglecting the North.
Kwankwaso made the comments on Thursday, July 24, during the Kano State Stakeholders’ Dialogue on the 2025 Constitutional Amendment. In his remarks, he expressed frustration over the “deplorable condition” of federal roads in the North, citing his recent road trip from Abuja to Kano as evidence of neglect.
“Yesterday, I was meant to travel by air, but the flight was delayed. I had to drive from Abuja to Kano through Kaduna, and the roads were in terrible condition,” Kwankwaso said. “This government must ensure equity and demonstrate that it governs the entire country—not just one region.”
However, in a statement released on X (formerly Twitter) on July 25, Sunday Dare responded firmly, stating:
“Senator Kwankwaso, you are wrong. The North has not been left behind. President Tinubu’s administration has embarked on numerous infrastructure and development projects across Northern Nigeria, disproving any notion of regional favoritism.”
Dare then outlined an extensive list of projects currently underway or recently completed in the North under President Tinubu, across multiple sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, health, energy, and transportation. These include:
Key Federal Projects in Northern Nigeria Under President Tinubu
Roads & Infrastructure
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Reconstruction and expansion of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway
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Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway (Northern Section)
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Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway
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Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto Road (Dual Carriageway)
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Rehabilitation of Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road in Borno State
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Expansion of Mararaba–Keffi Road and construction of Lafia Bypass in Nasarawa State
Agriculture
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$158.15 million Agriculture Value Chain Programme across nine Northern states
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Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi and Gombe
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ACReSAL World Bank–funded land restoration and climate resilience initiative
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Kano River Irrigation Project (commissioned 2023, now operational)
Health Facilities
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Upgrade and expansion of teaching hospitals in Zaria, Jos, Katsina, Sokoto, Bauchi, and Yobe
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Reinvigoration of 1,000+ Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the North
Energy & Power
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Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline
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Gwagwalada Power Plant (FCT)
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Planned ABIBA Solar Power Plant in Kaduna (50 MW capacity)
Rail & Transport
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Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maradi Rail Lines
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₦100 billion allocated for Kaduna Light Rail System
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Abuja Metro Line Rehabilitation
Environmental & National Programmes
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Strengthened mandate of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW)
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Ongoing NEWMAP erosion and watershed management projects
Dare emphasized that these initiatives represent a fraction of the government’s commitment to balanced national development:
“These projects—launched and expanded within just two years of this administration—are tangible proof that the North is not being left behind. The President is committed to equitable development across all regions of Nigeria.”
