By Dr. G. Fraser. MFR.
The National Patriots.
HeadlineNews.News Special Publication.
In response to recent claims by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and others alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has “neglected the North,” HeadlineNews.News presents irrefutable facts, figures, and context — laying bare the reality that no administration in the last 25 years has done more for Northern Nigeria than President Tinubu’s government in just two years.
“Facts are stubborn things. Opinions can distort — but numbers reveal truth.” — Kwame Nkrumah
Historical Context: The Myth of Northern Federal Neglect
Northern Nigeria has held the presidency for more than half of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic:
Shehu Shagari (1979–1983)
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007–2010)
Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023)
Yet despite 16 years of Northern leadership, many Northern states continue to rank low in core development indicators — education, infrastructure, health care, and access to electricity. Much of the failure lies not at the center, but in poor governance at the state level, where huge federal allocations were rarely matched with productive capital projects.
President Tinubu, however, has taken a drastically different path — implementing federal infrastructure directly in the North on a scale never seen before, despite it being the constitutional responsibility of state governments.
Massive Federal Projects in the North Under Tinubu – A First in Scope and Speed
From superhighways to irrigation systems, solar plants to railways — the scale, variety, and speed of Northern-focused development under President Tinubu is historic.
Select Highlights:
Roads & Highways
- Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Dual Carriageway
- Sokoto–Badagry Expressway
- Kano–Maiduguri Highway
- Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto Road (dualised)
- Lafia Bypass (Nasarawa), Dikwa–Gamboru Road (Borno), and over 30 other major routes totaling thousands of kilometers
Agriculture
- $158.15M Agriculture Value Chain Programme in 9 Northern States
- Kolmani Integrated Development Project (Bauchi & Gombe)
- Kano River Irrigation Project
- ACReSAL: 1 million hectares of degraded land restoration in semi-arid zones
Healthcare
- Over 12 major federal hospitals/teaching institutions expanded, commissioned or upgraded including in Sokoto, Kaduna, Jos, Katsina, Bauchi, and Nguru
- Rehabilitation of 1,000+ PHCs across the North
- Rail & Metro
- Kaduna–Kano Railway (203 km)
- Kano–Maradi Rail Line linking Nigeria to Niger
- ₦100bn Light Rail Budget for Kaduna
- Abuja Metro Rail Rehabilitation
Energy & Gas
- Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline (614 km)
- Gwagwalada Power Plant,0 FCT
- ABIBA Solar Power Project (50 MW, Kaduna)
Regional Development Commissions
President Tinubu established or empowered all three Northern geopolitical commissions:
- Northwest Development Commission (New)
- Northcentral Development Commission (New)
- Strengthened Northeast Development Commission
“Development is not what you promise. It’s what people see.” — Paul Kagame
Comparative Analysis: Tinubu vs Past Presidents
President Years in Office Federal Projects Focused on the North Direct Infrastructure Initiatives Development Commissions
- Shagari 1979–1983 Limited Mostly policy-driven None
- Yar’Adua 2007–2010 Some road rehab Medium N/A
- Buhari 2015–2023 Rail, roads (some stalled) Slow implementation NEDC only
- Tinubu 2023–2025 (2 years) Over 40 major infrastructure projects High, proactive FG-led Three regional commissions
President Tinubu has outpaced every modern president, including two from the North, in visible, measurable investment into the region.
Why the “Neglect” Narrative Is False and Dangerous
Critics — often political — push the “northern neglect” claim to create division, deflect from state-level governance failure, or incite public emotion. But the evidence destroys that narrative.
“Some opposition figures speak not for the people — but for their pockets. President Tinubu has shown that he values loyalty, national unity, and development above regional bias.” — Mallam Sani Musa, political analyst, Niger State
President Tinubu’s Loyalty to the North: Beyond Politics
Northern Nigeria gave President Tinubu a decisive electoral mandate in 2023, and he has responded not with tokenism, but with serious, strategic development.
“President Tinubu is a man of loyalty. He keeps his word. His gratitude to the North has been expressed not in words — but in roads, hospitals, railways, and pipelines.” — Dr. G. Fraser, MFR
He has gone further — creating similar development commissions for all other zones to ensure equity and unity, proving his vision is nation-first, not region-first.
Constitutional Clarity: State Development Is the Duty of State Governors — Not the President
It is essential to remind Nigerians that development at the state level is not the constitutional responsibility of the President, but that of the elected State Governors. According to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), “the functions of a State Government shall include the provision and maintenance of roads, health services, education, and other social services within the state.”
Specifically, Part II of the Second Schedule (Concurrent Legislative List), Section 1(a–c) states:
“The National Assembly may make laws for the Federation or any part thereof with respect to: the health, safety and welfare of persons… provided that the State House of Assembly may also legislate on these matters within the state.”
This means roads, hospitals, schools, and local infrastructure are primarily the duty of State Governments — and the President is not obligated to directly execute these within states. Yet, President Tinubu has gone above and beyond his constitutional mandate, initiating and funding numerous capital projects in the Northern states — not out of obligation, but out of political goodwill, loyalty, and people-focused leadership.
“Citizens must learn to demand accountability where it is due — from their Governors. It is time to stop expecting the President to do what the Constitution never assigned to him.” — Legal analyst Barr. Zulaiha Sani (Kaduna)
In light of this, President Tinubu’s federal interventions in the North should be seen not as political favors, but as unprecedented acts of national conscience, considering the States already receive substantial monthly federal allocations to handle these exact responsibilities.
President Tinubu: Merit Over Sentiment, Projects Over Patronage
It’s important to understand that every leader governs based on personal ideology and leadership philosophy. President Tinubu is guided by meritocracy, not ethnic sentiment or political appeasement. He appoints individuals based on competence, capacity, and alignment with his strategic goals — not to “compensate” interest groups.
“You don’t build a nation by rewarding loyalty with mediocrity,” an aide close to the Presidency stated.
While some past leaders used appointments to settle political scores, Tinubu rewards loyalty with development — not dysfunction. He prefers to deliver value through capital projects, not unnecessary boardroom appointments. Nigerians must begin to adjust their expectations and understand that Chairmanships and advisory roles can accommodate political considerations, but key administrative positions must be earned, not gifted.
Conclusion: Tinubu Has Delivered for the North — With Vision and Volume
In two years, President Tinubu has built more for the North than any administration in the last 25 years. Not as a political strategy — but as a sincere act of leadership. The facts are documented, the projects are visible, and the impact is measurable.
Those still claiming otherwise are either misinformed or peddling falsehoods for personal gain.
“What more must a leader do to prove sincerity, goodwill, and people-focused governance?” — The National Patriots.
Note to Readers:
This report is based on verifiable federal records, project briefs, and sectoral reviews. Readers are encouraged to independently verify any listed project or funding under public infrastructure disclosure portals.
Headlinenews.news Special Publication.
Headlinenews.news Commentaries ©️
“President Tinubu Has Not Abandoned the North — He Has Elevated It and Acted In Line With Good Leadership Values”
Excerpt:
“From roads to rail, healthcare to energy, Tinubu’s federal presence in the North is unmatched by any modern president.”
Quote – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR:
“The North stood for me. And I will stand for the North — not with words, but with projects that transform lives.”
Comment:
More than a political promise, Tinubu’s actions prove he sees the North as central to Nigeria’s growth and unity.
“It’s Time the North Held Its Governors Accountable — Not Just the President”
Excerpt:
“The Constitution makes State development a Governor’s job — yet the President is wrongly blamed for state-level failures.”
Quote – Dr. G. Fraser MFR, Governance Consultant & Founder, The National Patriots:
“Federalism doesn’t mean one man governs all. The North must redirect its grievance to the right address — their State Houses.”
Comment:
Democracy demands clarity: if local roads, schools, or clinics don’t work, ask your Governor, not the President.
“Kwankwaso’s Accusations Don’t Hold Up to Facts or Figures”
Excerpt:
“Senator Kwankwaso’s claim that the North is neglected ignores over 40 major federal projects initiated and completed under Tinubu.”
Quote – Lawal Smaila Kaita, Chair, Northwest Development Commission:
“This administration has funded more infrastructure in the Northwest than any before it. The numbers are public. Let’s stop the noise.”
Comment:
When facts speak, propaganda must sit down. Kwankwaso’s narrative is political, not factual.
“Projects, Not Patronage: Tinubu’s Model of Northern Appreciation”
Excerpt:
“As a Patriot, President Tinubu rewards political loyalty not with appointments to serve with inadequate qualifications or track records, but with infrastructure and results.”
Quote – Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON:
“Our people need roads, not rhetoric. That’s why the President is building the North, not bloating it with political appointees.”
Comment:
This model may be unpopular with political elites, but it works for the masses — and history will reward it.
“Obasanjo: ‘Development Is Not About Appointments. It’s About Delivery.’”
Excerpt:
“Former President Obasanjo has consistently warned against turning appointments into compensation packages.”
Quote – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR:
“Appointments don’t build nations. Results do. Any leader still playing ethnic cards in 2024 is dangerous.”
Comment:
Tinubu’s governance style echoes a principle long ignored: hire for results, not for regional rituals.
“PDP Goodluck Jonathan’s Six Years Didn’t Match What Tinubu Delivered in Two”
Excerpt:
“While Goodluck Jonathan presided over stalled infrastructure and rising poverty, Tinubu pushed over 40 active projects in the North within two years.”
Quote – Former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR (2019):
“I will do my best for the North. But Governors must do theirs.”
Comment:
Even Buhari admitted the limits of presidential power. Tinubu simply refused to accept those limits — and acted.
“Sanusi: ‘Real Progress Comes When We Invest, Not Appoint’”
Excerpt:
“The Emir has long criticized the North’s overdependence on federal positions instead of infrastructure and education.”
Quote – Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (Former CBN Governor & Emir of Kano):
“We’ve wasted decades asking for positions. What we needed were pipelines, schools, and railways. Tinubu is doing that — finally.”
Comment:
Sanusi’s warning is loud and clear: this is the kind of leadership Northern Nigeria desperately needs.
“Nigeria Must Outgrow Appointment Politics — Tinubu Already Has”
Excerpt:
“President Tinubu chooses capacity over political appeasement — and it’s delivering real results.”
Quote – Dr. G. Fraser MFR:
“You don’t fix a leaking roof by appointing your brother to patch it. You hire a roofer. That’s what this President is doing.”
Comment:
Merit over mediocrity will ruffle feathers — but Nigeria cannot develop on the altar of political compensation.
“Tinubu’s Loyalty to the North Is Proven — Not Performed”
Excerpt:
“From the Northwest Development Commission to the AKK Gas Pipeline, Tinubu’s federal footprint in the North is strategic and sincere.”
Quote – President Tinubu, GCFR:
“I don’t play politics with development. When I make a promise, I back it with concrete, not committees.”
Comment:
No empty gestures, just results. That’s how nations grow. That’s how leadership earns respect.
“Infrastructure First: Tinubu’s Governance Aligns with Global Best Practice”
Excerpt:
“President Tinubu’s emphasis on large-scale public infrastructure mirrors the development models of economies like China, India, and Rwanda.”
Quote – Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda:
“You don’t transform a country by making noise. You do it by building, brick by brick, road by road.”
Comment:
Tinubu’s approach isn’t about headlines — it’s about highways, hospitals, and hydropower. That’s how real leaders govern.
“Development Is Not a Favour — It’s a Responsibility, and Tinubu Has Delivered”
Excerpt:
“Even without constitutional obligation, President Tinubu brought federal projects to the North at a scale unmatched by predecessors.”
Quote – Barack Obama, Former U.S. President:
“The best anti-poverty program is a world-class infrastructure system.”
Comment:
Tinubu is not just helping the North — he’s building it. And in doing so, he’s aligning Nigeria with the best of global development thinking.
Headlinenews.news Special Publication. ©️
FULL LIST OF PROJECTS
AGRICULTURE
1. $158.15m Agriculture Value Chain (VCN) Programme for nine Northern states
2. Kolmani Integrated Development Project (Bauchi and Gombe States)
3. Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) — a six-year World Bank–funded programme to restore 1 million hectares of degraded land and improve climate resilience in Northern Nigeria states
4. Kano River Project (irrigation scheme) — large-scale integrated irrigation development in Kano State, commissioned in 2023 and operational under the current administration
HEALTH
5. Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna (North West)
6. Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina (North West)
7. University of Jos Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau (North Central)
8. Reference Hospital, Kaduna (North West)
9. Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto (North West)
10. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi (North East)
11. Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre Complex, Ilorin, Kwara (North Central)
12. Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Yobe (North East)
13. Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau (North Central) — additional expansion
14. Reinvigoration of about 1,000 Primary Health Centers, PHCS in the North
ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
15. Kano–Kongolam Road (Section II: Kano–Kanwar–Danja–Hadejia)
16. Yakasai–Zalli Road
17. 1,068 km Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway (Northern section including Sokoto and Kebbi)
18. 258 km, 3-lane Carriageway (Section 2, Phase 2A: CH 120+000–CH 378+000) in Gulumbe, Kebbi State
19. Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Dual Carriageway
20. Biu–Kangiwa–Kamba–Gaya–Niger Republic Road (30 km segment)
21. Malando–Garin Baka–Ngaski–Wara Road (CH.0+000 – CH.79+586)
22. Koko–Besse–Zaria–Kala Road
23. Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Highway (375 km)
24. Repair of the Gamboru Bridge (Gamboru–Ngala–Kala–Balde Road in Borno State)
25. Expansion of Mararaba–Keffi Road (43.65 km)
26. Construction of Lafia Bypass Road (Nasarawa State)
27. Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway
28. Adamawa–Taraba Single Carriageway
29. Adamawa–Borno Single Carriageway
30. Kaduna–Jos Road (Single Carriageway)
31. Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto Road (Dual Carriageway)
32. Zaria–Hunkuyi–Daya Road (Sections I, II & III – 152.67 km) — rehabilitation project in Kaduna and Kano States
33. Reconstruction of Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road (49.55 km) — strategic corridor reconstruction in Borno State
ENERGY AND GAS
34. Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline (AKK) (614 km)
35. Gwagwalada Power Plant (FCT, Abuja – connected with AKK pipeline)
36. ABIBA Solar Power Station, Kaduna (50 MW) — planned solar power plant to boost renewable energy capacity in Kaduna State
RAIL AND METRO
37. Kaduna–Kano Rail Line (203 km, part of Lagos-Kano Rail Project)
38. Kano–Maradi Rail Line (285 km, linking Kano, Jigawa, Katsina to Maradi in Niger Republic)
39. Kaduna Light Rail System — ₦100 billion budget allocation to develop light rail public transport in Kaduna
40. Abuja Metro Line Rehabilitation (Abuja Light Rail)
“This is not just about agriculture. It is about national security, economic growth, and sustainable development. If we manage this properly, we can drastically reduce the farmer-herder conflicts, boost rural livelihoods, reduce poverty, and improve food security across the country. President Tinubu has shown courage by addressing a longstanding problem with a practical, forward-looking solution,” he added.
