The Federal Government has dismissed insinuations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is favouring some parts of the country over others in the distribution of projects and appointments.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the administration has, from inception, been guided by fairness, justice, and equity in the spread of federal projects, opportunities, and appointments.
Idris noted that contrary to claims of imbalance, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated “uncommon commitment to balanced development and inclusivity” across the six geopolitical zones.
According to him, “No region is playing second fiddle or ignored. In addition to projects by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, all six regions now have Regional Development Commissions to re-kickstart development efforts. While the Coastal Highway courses through the South, the Badagry–Sokoto Highway, under construction, traverses majorly the North. This sense of balance runs through all the major infrastructure projects being implemented today.”
The minister highlighted key investments in rail, roads, bridges, power, and health infrastructure, noting that the administration has secured ₦150 billion and ₦100 billion for light rail projects in Kano and Kaduna States respectively, while similar metroline projects are ongoing in Lagos and Ogun States. Rehabilitation of over 1,000 primary health centres has also been carried out nationwide.
Citing verifiable data, Idris disclosed that the Northwest has so far received the largest share of project approvals—₦5.97 trillion, representing over 40 percent. Other regions include South South with ₦2.41 trillion, North Central ₦1.13 trillion, South East ₦407 billion, North East ₦400 billion, and South West (excluding Lagos) ₦604 billion.
Major road projects under President Tinubu include the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (750 km), Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway (1,068 km), Trans-Sahara Highway (465 km), and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road (439 km). Collectively, the North accounts for 52 percent of these road projects, while the South takes 48 percent.
The statement further listed ongoing interventions such as the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road, Benue–9th Mile Road, Lokoja–Okene Dualisation, Enugu–Onitsha Road, Bodo–Bonny Road, Eleme–Onne Road, and the rehabilitation of Lagos bridges, among others.
Beyond roads and rail, Idris said the administration has revived the 255MW Kaduna Power Plant, advanced the AKK Gas Project, expanded oil exploration in Kolmani (Bauchi and Gombe States), and accelerated work on the Kano–Maradi rail line.
On appointments, he stressed that President Tinubu has consistently picked capable Nigerians from all parts of the country based on competence and inclusivity.
“The establishment of five new Regional Development Commissions and the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development further illustrate the President’s determination to address Nigeria’s unique developmental needs in a manner that benefits all sections of the country,” Idris stated.
He described President Tinubu as a “fair, pragmatic, and consequential reformer” whose leadership is inclusive and unifying, assuring Nigerians that no region will be left behind under his administration.