The Presidency has dismissed claims by former Kano governor and NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, that President Bola Tinubu is neglecting Northern Nigeria in his administration’s development agenda.

Responding through a statement on Friday, Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, said the North is not being left behind, and several major projects are currently ongoing across the region.

“The claim that Northern Nigeria has been ignored is false,” Dare said.
“The Tinubu administration is actively pursuing key projects in roads, agriculture, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure development.”

Dare listed a number of infrastructure and development projects, including:

Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway

Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway

Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline (614 km)

Kaduna–Kano Rail Line

Kano–Maradi Rail Line

Rehabilitation of Abuja Metro

The Presidency also highlighted a $158.15 million agriculture value chain programme in nine northern states, along with the Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi and Gombe States.

Efforts to tackle climate-related challenges include the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative, which is restoring one million hectares of degraded land.

Dare pointed to expansions and new investments in facilities such as:

Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria

University of Jos Teaching Hospital

Federal Medical Centre, Nguru

He also noted the revitalisation of over 1,000 primary health centres across northern communities.

⚡ Energy & Power Projects

Energy developments include:

The Gwagwalada Power Plant

Planned solar energy projects in Kaduna

Progress on the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline

🚧 Road Infrastructure

Other key roads being constructed or rehabilitated include:

Kano–Kongolam Road

Kaduna–Jos Road

Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway

Projects in Borno and Adamawa States

⚖️ Presidency to Kwankwaso: Northern Development Is a Priority

This response follows Kwankwaso’s earlier remarks warning that national resources were being tilted more toward the South, leading to worsening poverty and insecurity in the North.

But the Presidency insists that development is balanced and inclusive, and the administration is committed to reducing regional inequalities.

“These projects clearly show President Tinubu’s commitment to national development that includes the North,” Dare concluded.

The conversation continues as both political figures stake their positions, but the federal government is urging patience as it pushes forward with its development agenda across all regions.