Tanimu Yakubu, the director-general of the budget office of the federation, says over half of the capital budget for 2024 and 2025 were allocated to projects and programmes in the north.
Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano state, and Babachir
Lawal, ex-secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), had accused
President Bola Tinubu’s administration of marginalising the north in
infrastructure development.
Bashir Dalhatu, chairman of the board of trustees (BoT) of
the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), also claimed Tinubu had neglected the
region.
Reacting to the claims, Yakubu said the federal government
is committed to the development of northern Nigeria.
Yakubu said the narrative of northern marginalisation is
“unfounded”, adding that the Tinubu administration is strategically mobilising
resources to ensure balanced regional development and national progress.
“Contrary to politically motivated narratives, northern
Nigeria is not on the margins, it is at the heart of federal investment
priorities,” he said.
“Over 50% of the capital budget for 2024 and 2025 is
traceable to projects and programs in the north when major national trunk
infrastructure and water basin investments are properly accounted for.”
He said the government has invested in key infrastructure
projects including the dualisation of the Abuja–Kano expressway and the ₦12.1 trillion
Sokoto–Badagry superhighway, a 1,068-kilometre cross-regional road project,
with N3.63 trillion already approved for initial phases in Sokoto and Kebbi
states.
The DG said the government’s initiatives include Kano–Maradi
standard gaugerRailway, the Zungeru–Kano power transmission line, and the
expansion of airport runways in Katsina, Maiduguri, and Kaduna.
He added that inland dry ports in Funtua and Bauchi are also
being developed to boost agro-export and logistics.
Yakubu said the government is also investing heavily in
water resource management through the river basin development authorities,
adding that “unprecedented funding” is directed at irrigation, flood control,
and rural livelihoods in key basins such as Sokoto-Rima and Upper Benue.
He said security efforts have been intensified with
increased funding for military operations in the north-west and north-central
zones.
Yakubu noted that over N60 billion is being channeled
through the national security adviser’s office and the north-east development
commission for rebuilding schools, markets, and farmlands in conflict-affected
areas.
“President Tinubu has increased funding for military
operations in the Northwest and Northcentral, including Operation Hadarin Daji,
Whirl Stroke, and Whirl Punch,” he said.
“Rural stabilization efforts through the NSA’s Office and
the North East Development Commission (NEDC) are channeling over ₦60 billion
into rebuilding schools, markets, and farmlands in affected areas.”
Yakubu also highlighted the government’s effort in social
protection and economic inclusion, noting that out of the over 12 million
households enrolled in conditional cash transfers, more than 60 percent of the
beneficiaries are from northern states.
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