Tinubu’s works minister denies marginalizing northern Nigeria in road projects

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has dismissed allegations of lopsidedness in the distribution and execution of road projects across Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Works, the allegations, which suggested that the northern region was being neglected, were firmly denied.

The ministry stated that road and bridge projects were being implemented fairly and transparently across all six geopolitical zones of the country.

According to the ministry, the distribution of projects is managed through various funding mechanisms, including budgetary provisions, the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, SUKUK, and the Tax Credit Scheme.

The statement noted that out of the 2,735 kilometers of road projects initiated under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the northern region accounted for 1,414 kilometers (52%), while the southern region had 1,321 kilometers (48%).

Further breakdowns of the projects are:

• SUKUK-funded projects: Of the 82 ongoing projects, the North had 45, while the South had 37.
• Emergency road projects: Out of 260 projects, 108 were located in the South and 98 in the North.
• Road Tax Credit Scheme projects: The North had 23 projects, while the South had 21.

Additionally, the statement noted recent approvals at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on September 23, 2024, which included major road projects across both northern and southern states. Notable approvals include:

• A 258 km 3-lane carriageway in Kebbi and Sokoto States as part of the 1,000 km Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway.
• The completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road with bridges across the Opobo Channel in Rivers State.
• The rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway.
• The construction of the Cross River to Oferekpe road and the Kabba (Kogi) to Ekiti State road rehabilitation.