By Usman Ishaq Shehu
PhD Candidate | Editor in Chief, J.O.Comms | Public Affairs Analyst and Strategic Communicator
In recent months, critics have raised concerns about the fairness and regional spread of federal infrastructure projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Some have claimed that the administration is prioritizing the South at the expense of the North, while others suggest the reverse. But when the facts are examined closely, a clearer picture emerges.
It will surprise you to find out what the administration of the President has done so far across Nigeria. The evidence clearly shows that President Tinubu is demonstrating a sincere commitment to equity, national cohesion, and balanced development.
Let’s break down the facts region by region.
Major Projects in Northern Nigeria Under President Tinubu
1. The Abuja Kaduna Kano Expressway is receiving renewed attention with clear timelines for completion.
2. The second phase of the Kano Katsina Jibia Maradi rail line is progressing, enhancing cross-border trade and logistics.
3. Multiple housing projects are ongoing in states like Kano, Gombe, Borno, and Sokoto under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates initiative.
4. Road dualization and upgrades in Bauchi, Yobe, and Niger States are part of the ₦3 trillion capital expenditure push.
5. The Mambilla Power Project has returned to the national agenda with new stakeholder engagement.
Estimated Allocation to the North
According to the Minister of Works, about 52 percent of federal road projects are situated in Northern Nigeria. The estimated financial commitment to Northern projects is over ₦4.1 trillion, covering expressways, housing schemes, rail lines, and power infrastructure where necessary.
Key Projects in Southern Nigeria Under President Tinubu
1. The Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway, valued at over ₦15 trillion, is one of the most ambitious road infrastructure projects in Nigerian history.
2. Completion of key bridges and bypasses across South East states, including the Second Niger Bridge approaches and the Onitsha Owerri interchange.
3. Deep seaport upgrades in Lagos and ongoing port reforms to improve maritime trade and logistics efficiency.
4. Reconstruction of East West Road sections through Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta.
5. Landmark investments in the Lekki Epe corridor, targeting export processing and industrialization.
Estimated Allocation to the South
While fewer projects in number compared to the North, Southern Nigeria hosts some of the most capital-intensive initiatives. The estimated allocation for Southern infrastructure projects is around ₦3.9 trillion, primarily due to the high cost of the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway and deep seaport developments where necessary.
Total National Infrastructure Investment
Over ₦8 trillion has been earmarked for infrastructure development in the 2024 and 2025 budget cycles. The administration’s emphasis is on critical national assets such as rail, roads, housing, power, and ports, with a clear policy to ensure no region is left behind where necessary.
Conclusion
The facts reveal that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is pursuing a balanced and inclusive infrastructure policy. From North to South, rural to urban, the evidence is there. This is not a government of favoritism but one of strategic and equitable development. The numbers, locations, and nature of projects show fairness, transparency, and accountability.
This is the time for Nigerians to unite around facts, not sentiments. Let the truth speak for itself where necessary.