President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equitable development across all regions of Nigeria, stating that no part of the country would be left behind. He made this known during a two-day government-citizen interactive session organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Tinubu noted that the interactive sessions and stakeholder engagements would highlight facts and figures to dispel claims that the North is being sidelined.

Achievements Under Renewed Hope Agenda

The President’s speech emphasized key gains under his Renewed Hope Agenda, citing economic reforms, infrastructure, health, security, and food security. Projects mentioned include:

  • Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

  • Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway

  • Kano-Maradi and Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail lines

  • Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway

  • Rehabilitation of the Kaduna Refinery

  • Kolmani oil drilling

  • Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline

Tinubu highlighted the removal of fuel subsidy as a painful but necessary reform, noting that the savings are being redirected toward critical infrastructure and human development.

He also mentioned that over 400,000 students have benefitted from the Student Loan Programme, with an estimated ₦53 billion already disbursed.

Northern Governors and NSA Back Tinubu

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who also chairs the Northern States Governors’ Forum, reiterated the North’s support for Tinubu. He listed tangible federal projects underway in the region and described the administration's reforms as “difficult but necessary.”

National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said there has been a notable drop in Boko Haram, banditry, and kidnapping incidents under Tinubu’s leadership. He revealed that 11,259 hostages had been rescued as of May 2025, while several notorious terrorist leaders had been neutralized.

Critics Raise Alarm Over Marginalization

Despite the administration’s reassurances, key Northern leaders expressed dissatisfaction:

  • Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), said Northern Nigeria is being marginalized, pointing to budgetary imbalances and the abandonment of critical infrastructure like the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and Mambilla Hydro Dam.

  • Former SGF Babachir Lawal backed Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso’s earlier claims of neglect, saying there are no visible federal infrastructure projects ongoing in the North.

Dalhatu noted that out of over ₦1 trillion allocated to road projects in 2025, only ₦24 billion went to the North-East. He described this as part of a larger pattern of infrastructural and political exclusion.

Other Regions React

Ohanaeze Ndigbo

The apex Igbo group stressed that true national development must be rooted in restructuring. Dr. Ezechi Chukwu of Ohanaeze Ndigbo said the current structure encourages over-centralization and leaves regions dependent on monthly allocations from Abuja. He called for constitutional reforms that would empower states and promote industrial and economic self-sufficiency.

Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF)

PANDEF’s spokesperson, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, accused the federal government of neglecting the South-South despite its status as Nigeria’s economic mainstay. He criticized the disparity in ministerial appointments and federal employment, lamented poor infrastructure—particularly the neglected East-West Road and demanded the inclusion of the Niger Delta in the national rail network.

Middle Belt Forum (MBF)

Dr. Bitrus Pogu, President of MBF, was skeptical of Tinubu’s development promises, calling them typical of politicians seeking reelection. He expressed doubt over the feasibility of equitable development under the current economic and political climate.