The Federal Government has issued a strong rebuttal against growing criticisms of regional bias, stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has been “guided, at all times, by the principles of fairness, justice, and equity” in the distribution of projects and appointments.
The statement, signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, comes amid what it describes as “recent insinuations, half-truths and fake information being circulated” about the government’s focus.
“Contrary to the perception being pushed in some quarters, this administration has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to balanced development and inclusivity since assuming office,” the Minister stated.
“The distribution of capital projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is equitable. No region is playing a second fiddle or ignored.”
To support its claim, the government provided a detailed breakdown of project approvals by geopolitical zone, listing the Northwest as the top beneficiary with allocations totaling ₦5.97 trillion, representing over 40% of total approvals. The figures place the South-South second with ₦2.41 trillion, followed by the North Central (₦1.13 trillion), South West excluding Lagos (₦604 billion), South East (₦407 billion), and North East (₦400 billion).
The release highlighted major infrastructure projects underway across the nation, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in the South and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway traversing the North. It noted that 52% of the total length of its four legacy road projects is in the North, with 48% in the South.
“President Tinubu is building national infrastructure, not local trophies,” the statement read.
“Lagos is rightly upgraded as Nigeria’s commercial hub, but the Northwest holds the lion’s share of approvals. This proves that all regions are receiving fair consideration.”
Beyond roads, the government pointed to significant investments in other regions, including ₦150 billion and ₦100 billion secured for light rail projects in Kano and Kaduna states, respectively.
The statement also pointed the rehabilitation of the Eastern Corridor rail line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, the revival of the 255MW Kaduna Power Plant and advanced work on the AKK Gas Project, and oil exploration in the Kolmani region of Bauchi and Gombe States.
The statement also emphasized inclusivity in federal appointments and the establishment of five new Regional Development Commissions as further evidence of the President’s commitment to even development.
“On the whole, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not only kept faith with Nigerians but has proven himself to be a fair, pragmatic, and consequential reformer. His leadership is inclusive, his vision is unifying, and his commitment to equity and justice is unwavering. Nigerians can rest assured that under his watch, no part of this country will be left behind,” Minister Idris concluded.
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