The Concerned Northern APC Youth Forum has responded to recent comments by former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of sidelining Northern Nigeria in its infrastructure agenda.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Chairman, Suleiman Liba, the group described Kwankwaso’s remarks as inaccurate, stating that several ongoing federal projects indicate substantial investment in the region.
“The claims by Senator Kwankwaso do not reflect the reality on the ground,” Liba said. “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu has ensured equitable infrastructure development across all regions, with the North receiving substantial attention.”
Citing figures from the Federal Ministry of Works, the forum said 52 percent of the total length of ongoing legacy road projects is located in the North. Among the cited projects are the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, with 756km of its 1,068km route passing through northern states including Kebbi and Sokoto; the 439km Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe road currently being redesigned; the 275km Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina-Kaduna road; the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway; and the Benue to 9th Mile corridor.
The group also highlighted other initiatives being sustained or launched by the administration, including the $158.15 million Agriculture Value Chain programme in nine northern states, the Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi and Gombe, and the Kano River irrigation project.
In the area of energy and transport, the forum referenced the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, the Gwagwalada Power Plant, and the Kaduna-Kano and Kano-Maradi rail lines.
The statement also mentioned the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, noting his visits to sites in the region, including Lokoja in Kogi State, as evidence of the administration’s engagement with Northern infrastructure needs.
“It is unfortunate that these concrete efforts are being misrepresented,” Liba said. “We urge Senator Kwankwaso to cross-check his claims and avoid comments that could polarize the country.”
The forum called on youths and stakeholders in the region to support the administration’s ongoing projects and development priorities.
Source: Guardian.ng
