_FG defends fairness, says ₦10trn projects spread nationwide with North taking 52% and South 48%
By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The Federal Government has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to equity, insisting that his administration has been fair to all regions in the distribution of national projects and appointments.
Addressing recent criticisms, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said in a statement released on Sunday, August 31, 2025, that verifiable data shows no section of the country has been left behind in the allocation of infrastructure and development opportunities.
According to official records, the Northwest received ₦5.97 trillion — over 40% of project approvals — making it the biggest beneficiary, while the South East got ₦407 billion. Other allocations include: South South (₦2.41 trillion), North Central (₦1.13 trillion), North East (₦400 billion), and South West excluding Lagos (₦604 billion).
“These figures prove that no region is playing second fiddle,” Idris said, stressing that President Tinubu’s fairness is reflected across highways, bridges, rail lines, health facilities, and federal appointments.
Infrastructure Balance Across Regions
The government highlighted major ongoing legacy projects, including:
Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (750 km): 175 km under construction in Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.
Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway (1,068 km): 378 km ongoing in Kebbi and Sokoto.
Trans-Sahara Highway (465 km): 118 km progressing in Ebonyi.
Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road (439 km): Redesigned for rigid pavement durability.
Out of the total project length, the North accounts for 52% while the South takes 48%, underscoring the administration’s claim of balanced development.
Key Northern Projects
Sokoto–Gusau–Funtua–Zaria Road (275 km, dualised, ₦824bn)
Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road (350 km, dualised, ₦764bn)
Benue–9th Mile Road (250 km, dualised, $958m)
Zaria–Hunkuyi Road (156 km)
Kano Northern Bypass (49 km)
Kano–Maiduguri Road (100.9 km)
Damaturu–Maiduguri Road (110 km)
Kaduna–Katsina Roads (₦150bn)
Key Southern Projects
Lagos–Ibadan (8.5 km, ₦33bn)
Oyo–Ogbomoso–Ilorin (₦146bn)
Carter, Third Mainland & Eko Bridges (₦120bn)
Enugu–Onitsha Road (107 km, ₦202bn via MTN Tax Credit + 72 km, ₦150bn via CBC)
2nd Niger Bridge Access Road (17.5 km, dualised, ₦175bn)
Eleme–Onne Road (30 km, ₦156bn)
Bodo–Bonny Road (35 km with 12 bridges, ₦200bn)
Rail, Health and Energy Investments
The Tinubu administration has also secured ₦150bn for the Kano Light Rail and ₦100bn for the Kaduna Light Rail, while reviving the Eastern Corridor railway from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
Over 1,000 primary healthcare centres have been rehabilitated nationwide, and more than 250,000 jobs are expected to be created from ongoing projects.
In energy, the government has revived the 255MW Kaduna Power Plant, advanced the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Project, and expanded oil exploration with three new oil wells in Kolmani, Bauchi, and Gombe States. The Kano–Maradi Rail Line, inherited at 5%, now stands at 67% completion.
Fair Appointments and Governance
Idris also defended Tinubu’s political appointments, saying they reflect inclusivity and competence rather than sectional bias. He cited the establishment of five new Regional Development Commissions and the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as examples of equity-driven governance.
“President Tinubu has not only kept faith with Nigerians but has proven himself to be a fair, pragmatic, and consequential reformer,” the Minister declared. “Nigerians can rest assured that under his watch, no part of this country will be left behind.”
