Nigeria’s Minister of Works has firmly rejected recent claims by former Kano State Governor and presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is prioritizing road construction projects in the South over the North.
In a detailed statement issued on Wednesday, the Minister described Kwankwaso’s remarks as “misleading, divisive, and politically motivated,” asserting that President Tinubu’s infrastructure agenda reflects fairness and equity across all six geopolitical zones.
“Senator Kwankwaso’s statement is a desperate attempt to misinform Northerners and falsely portray himself as a champion of the region,” the Minister said. “The facts do not support his claims.”
Breakdown of Tinubu’s Four Major Legacy Projects
The Minister outlined four key national infrastructure projects currently underway:
- Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway (750 km):
- 175 km currently under construction across Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.
- Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway (1,068 km):
- 378 km under construction in Kebbi and Sokoto States—more than double the Southern project mileage.
- Trans-Saharan Highway (465 km):
- 59 km of 6-lane construction ongoing in Ebonyi State.
- Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road (439 km):
- Under redesign for rigid pavement for increased durability.
“Across these legacy projects, the North accounts for 52% of construction activity, while the South accounts for 48%. In terms of 3-lane equivalence, the North has 756 km underway, compared to 409 km in the South,” the Minister explained.
Major Ongoing Projects in the North
The Minister also listed over a dozen multi-billion naira infrastructure projects currently active in the Northern region, including:
- Sokoto–Zamfara–Katsina–Kaduna Road (275 km dualized): ₦824 billion
- Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road (350 km dualized): ₦764 billion
- BUA Tax Credit Road through Jigawa, Katsina, Kano: 256 km dualized
- Bama & Dikwa Roads in Borno State: 100 km
- Borno Ring Road: 110 km
- Benue–9th Mile Road: 250 km, $958 million
- Kaduna–Katsina Roads (Sections 1 & 2): ₦150 billion
“Contrary to Kwankwaso’s claims, the North—particularly the North-West—has seen more substantial investments in road infrastructure under Tinubu than any other region,” the Minister asserted.
Key Projects in the South
In the South, major ongoing works include:
- Lagos–Ibadan Expressway Completion: ₦33 billion
- Third Mainland, Eko, Carter Bridge Repairs: ₦120 billion
- Enugu–Onitsha Road: ₦202 billion (MTN Tax Credit)
- 2nd Niger Bridge Access Roads (Anambra & Delta): Over ₦300 billion
- East-West Road & Eleme–Onne Road: ₦342 billion combined
- Bodo–Bonny Road (Rivers State): ₦200 billion by Julius Berger
“While significant works are ongoing in the South, critical Northern roads are receiving even more attention and funding,” the Minister noted.
On the NNPC Tax Credit Projects
The Minister revealed that out of the inherited NNPCL Tax Credit Projects:
- The North holds 53%,
- The South holds 47%,
- With South-East and South-West receiving just 4% and 5% respectively.
“Yet, President Tinubu has continued funding these projects without bias or complaint,” he emphasized.
Minister to Release Comprehensive Project List
To ensure transparency, the Minister announced plans to publish a full list of all road and bridge projects above ₦20 billion—both inherited and initiated—under the Tinubu administration next week.
“It is unfortunate that political figures like Kwankwaso continue to make divisive statements rather than uniting the country. I challenge anyone to a public debate on this issue,” the Minister declared.
Call for Apology and Clarification
He concluded by demanding a public apology from Senator Kwankwaso, urging Nigerians to disregard the misinformation and instead recognize the Tinubu administration’s commitment to balanced national development.
“President Tinubu is a fair and God-fearing leader. His focus is on building Nigeria’s infrastructure with equity and integrity,” the Minister stated.
