By Eshiorameh Sebastian, Abuja
The Nigerian federal government has issued a robust defence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s record on regional inclusivity, stating his administration has been “guided, at all times, by the principles of fairness, justice, and equity.”
The statement, released by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, comes in response to what it termed “recent insinuations, half-truths and fake information” circulating about the distribution of projects and appointments.
Mr Idris asserted that since assuming office, President Tinubu’s government has “demonstrated uncommon commitment to balanced development and inclusivity” across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. He presented a detailed breakdown of infrastructure projects and financial approvals to counter what he described as a false narrative of lopsided development.
“The distribution of capital projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is equitable. No region is playing a second fiddle or ignored,” the minister stated. He emphasised that major infrastructural interventions are “simultaneously ongoing across the federation—from highways and bridges to rail and power projects.”
Central to the government’s argument is verifiable data on project approvals. According to the figures released, the Northwest zone is the largest beneficiary, with allocations totalling ₦5.97 trillion, representing over 40% of all approvals. The South-South follows with ₦2.41 trillion, then the North-Central with ₦1.13 trillion. The South-East was allocated ₦407 billion, the North-East ₦400 billion, and the South-West, excluding Lagos, received ₦604 billion.
The minister provided an extensive list of legacy road projects to illustrate the geographical spread. He highlighted that 52% of the total length of these major highways is in the North, with 48% in the South. Key projects include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, coursing through the South, and the Badagry-Sokoto Highway, which “traverses majorly the North.”
“This sense of balance runs through all the major infrastructure projects being implemented today,” Mr Idris said.
Beyond roads, the statement detailed significant investments in rail, including secured funding of ₦150 billion and ₦100 billion for light rail projects in Kano and Kaduna states respectively. It also mentioned the metroline projects in Lagos and Ogun States and a “renewed push” for the rehabilitation of the Eastern Corridor rail line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. Social infrastructure was also noted, with over 1,000 primary healthcare centres rehabilitated across the country.
The government further pointed to advancements in energy, noting the revival of the 255MW Kaduna Power Plant and progress on the AKK Gas Project. It also highlighted expanded oil and gas exploration in the North, specifically the drilling of three oil wells in the Kolmani region of Bauchi and Gombe States.
On the contentious issue of political appointments, the minister stated that President Tinubu has “consistently appointed capable Nigerians from every part of the country, guided by competence and inclusivity rather than sectional considerations.”
The establishment of five new Regional Development Commissions and the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development were cited as further evidence of the President’s “determination to address Nigeria’s unique developmental needs in a manner that benefits all sections of the country.”
The statement concluded with a firm endorsement of the President’s leadership, describing him as “a fair, pragmatic, and consequential reformer.”
“His leadership is inclusive, his vision is unifying, and his commitment to equity and justice is unwavering,” Mr Idris said. “Nigerians can rest assured that under his watch, no part of this country will be left behind.”
This comprehensive data-driven rebuttal appears designed to quell growing criticism and present a fact-based case for the administration’s commitment to even development, aiming to reassure citizens of its equitable approach to governance.
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