The Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, has revealed that more than half of Nigeria's capital budget for 2024 and 2025 has been directed towards projects and programs in the northern region. This clarification comes amid criticism from prominent northern figures, including former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, who accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration of sidelining the North in terms of infrastructure investment ¹.
Key Projects in the North
Some of the major projects allocated to the North include ¹ ²:
- *Abuja-Kano Expressway Dualisation*: a significant infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation and connectivity between the nation's capital and the northern region
- *Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway*: a 1,068-kilometer mega project with a budget of ₦12.1 trillion, linking multiple states and promoting economic growth
- *Kano-Maradi Standard Gauge Railway*: a project that will enhance trade and transportation between Nigeria and Niger Republic
- *Zungeru-Kano Power Transmission Line*: a crucial project for improving power supply in the region
- *Airport Runway Upgrades*: expansion works at the Kaduna, Maiduguri, and Katsina airport runways to facilitate air transportation
- *Inland Dry Ports*: construction of inland dry ports in Funtua and Bauchi to boost agricultural logistics and export
Government's Commitment to Balanced Development
Yakubu emphasized that the federal government remains committed to the development of northern Nigeria, dismissing allegations of regional neglect as "politically motivated" and "unfounded". He stressed that resource allocation under President Tinubu's leadership is designed to promote balanced growth and national cohesion ¹.
Impact on the Region
The allocation of over 50% of the capital budget to the North is expected to have a significant impact on the region's economic growth and development. The projects mentioned above will not only improve infrastructure but also create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the region ³.
