By Rafiyat Sadiq
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that no region will be left behind in his administration’s development agenda, insisting that the North is not being sidelined.
The president gave the assurance in Kaduna during a two-day interactive session on government-citizen engagement, organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
According to Tinubu, the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda is addressing key national priorities across all geopolitical zones. He outlined interventions in economic reforms, agriculture, infrastructure, education, health, and security.
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He said empirical data presented by ministers at the forum would demonstrate that the North has not been neglected.
“The savings from fuel subsidy removal are being redirected into critical infrastructure and human development. Increased allocations are going to states to enhance service delivery,” Tinubu said.
He listed major projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Kano-Maradi and Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail lines, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, and housing initiatives as evidence of inclusive governance.
On education, the president revealed that more than 400,000 students had benefited from the student loan programme, with ₦53 billion already disbursed.
Reflecting on the theme, Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Development, Tinubu described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a practical framework rooted in transparency, accountability, equity, and inclusiveness.
Northern Governors Reaffirm Support
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who also chairs the Northern States Governors Forum, led other governors in expressing support for the Tinubu administration. Yahaya stated that the North was beginning to benefit from the promises made during the 2023 presidential campaign.
“When candidate Bola Tinubu came to us, he made concrete promises. Over 60% of the votes that brought him to power came from the North. Today, we are seeing results,” Yahaya said.
He cited the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Motorway, the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail project, ongoing oil exploration at the Kolmani oilfields, and the rehabilitation of the Kaduna Refinery as key deliverables under Tinubu’s leadership.
Yahaya also commended the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a step towards resolving the long-standing farmer-herder conflict. He called on Northern leaders to complement federal efforts with local initiatives in infrastructure, education, and social development.
On security, Yahaya disclosed that over 300 bandit and terrorist commanders had been eliminated in recent months, thanks to improved military coordination.
ACF, Lawal Fault Tinubu on Northern Development
Despite government assurances, prominent Northern leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of development in the region.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu, criticised the administration for what he described as lopsided budgetary allocations and failure to complete key infrastructure projects in the North.
“Despite contributing over 64% of the votes that brought this government to power, we have little to show. No strategic road project has been completed in the North in the last two decades,” Dalhatu said.
He demanded fast-tracking of the Mambilla Hydro Dam, full implementation of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) scheme, and revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, also accused the federal government of sidelining the North.
“There are no visible federal projects going on in the North. Nothing is happening physically. If it’s happening in the spirit, we are not seeing it,” Lawal said, defending earlier remarks made by former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Calls for Restructuring and Regional Equity
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, PANDEF, and Middle Belt Forum (MBF) also reacted to the president’s remarks on equitable development.
Spokesperson of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, said development must begin with restructuring the federation to reduce dependency on Abuja.
“The present structure discourages productivity. We need to return to a system that empowers the regions to thrive,” Chukwu said.
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) faulted the federal government over under-representation of the South-South in ministerial appointments and infrastructure development.
“We expect fair treatment in federal appointments and better road and rail connectivity. The East-West road remains in a deplorable state despite years of oil contribution,” said PANDEF’s spokesman, Obiuwevbi Ominimini.
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The Middle Belt Forum expressed doubt about Tinubu’s promises, warning that they might only be campaign rhetoric.
“Everyone seeking re-election will say the right things. Whether those words translate to actions is another matter. We pray he delivers,” MBF President Dr Bitrus Pogu said.
The forum also urged the federal government to extend the level of development seen in the FCT to other regions.
While President Tinubu’s administration frequently defends its record and reiterates its commitment to inclusive governance, prominent voices in Russo and other regions have called for more tangible action and equitable allocation of resources to foster national unity development.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
