Federal Ministry of Works Debunks Kwankwaso's Northern Marginalization Claims with Project Details
The Federal Ministry of Works, through its Minister, Engr. David Umahi, has strongly refuted claims by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso that President Bola Tinubu's administration is marginalizing Northern Nigeria in federal road infrastructure development. Umahi described Kwankwaso's allegations as "absolutely false, misleading, and self-serving," urging the former Kano Governor to apologize to the President and the Nigerian public.
Here's a detailed breakdown of the refutation and the evidence provided:
Kwankwaso's Allegation:
Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former Kano State Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, had publicly accused the Tinubu administration of concentrating national resources and development projects, particularly in road infrastructure, disproportionately in the South, while neglecting the North. He cited a "hellish" recent trip from Abuja to Kano via Kaduna due to the deplorable condition of northern highways as evidence.
The Federal Ministry of Works' Rebuttal:
Minister of Works, David Umahi, directly countered Kwankwaso's claims, stating that facts and data prove otherwise. He asserted that the North, especially the North-West Geopolitical Zone (where Kwankwaso hails from), has received a significant, and in some aspects, greater share of federal road projects under the Tinubu administration than any other region.
Key Points and Project Details Provided by Minister Umahi:
Overall Project Distribution:
Umahi stated that out of the four major "legacy projects" of the current administration, the North accounts for 52% of the total length of these projects, while the South has 48%.
He also indicated that among all ongoing federal road projects, the North has 756 km (measured in 3-lane equivalent) under construction, compared to 409 km in the South.
Major Legacy Projects in the North:
Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway (1,068km): This six-lane highway, planned to include a rail line, is a significant project connecting the North and South. Umahi specifically highlighted that 378 km (equivalent to 756 km by 3 lanes) is currently ongoing in the Kebbi and Sokoto sections. He emphasized that this single project is longer than the highly publicized Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road (439km): This project is being redesigned from flexible to rigid pavement for greater durability, in line with presidential directives for legacy projects.
Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road (350km dualized/700km equivalent): This major artery is undergoing construction on concrete pavement, with a contract sum of ₦764 billion by Infiouest (Nig.) Ltd. and 30% of the sum already paid with work progressing.
Other Significant Ongoing Northern Road Projects:
BUA Tax Credit Road: This 256km dualized road (512km equivalent) traverses Jigawa, Katsina, and Kano States. It has been redesigned and is being constructed on rigid pavement.
Zaria-Hunkuyi Road (156km): Under construction by Mothercat (Nig.) Ltd.
Kano Northern Bypass (49km): Being constructed by CCECC.
Section V of the Kano-Maiduguri Dualization (Damaturu-Maiduguri): 110km by 2 lanes, under construction by CCECC (Nig.) Ltd.
Malando Road in Kebbi State (76km): Under construction by Episolyn (Nig.) Ltd.
Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina-Kaduna Road (275km dualized): A substantial project costing ₦824 billion.
Bama and Dikwa roads in Borno State (100km).
Benue to 9th Mile (250km dualized).
Lokoja-Okene Road (86km dualized).
Kaduna to Katsina road sections.
Comparison to Southern Projects:
Umahi acknowledged key projects ongoing in Southern Nigeria, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin Road, Enugu-Onitsha Road (including MTN tax credit projects), East-West Road (South-South), Second Niger Bridge access roads (in Anambra and Delta states), and Bodo-Bonny Road in Rivers. However, he emphasized that in terms of sheer length and magnitude of some legacy projects, the North's share is substantial. He specifically pointed out that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway (220km in Lagos, 130km in Cross River and Akwa Ibom) is shorter in total length than the ongoing sections of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway in Kebbi and Sokoto alone.
Inherited Projects and Funding:
Umahi noted that many projects, including those under the NNPCL Tax Credit scheme, were inherited from the past administration. He stressed that the Tinubu administration has ensured funding for their continuation, with the North benefiting from 53% and the South from 47% of these inherited NNPCL Tax Credit projects.
Accusations of Political Opportunism:
Both Minister Umahi and the Presidency (through Special Adviser Sunday Dare) accused Senator Kwankwaso of making "politically motivated" and "self-serving" statements. Umahi suggested that Kwankwaso's claims were part of a struggle to inherit the legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari and were aimed at deceiving Nigerians for political gain. Other socio-political groups like Afenifere also condemned Kwankwaso's allegations as misleading and capable of fueling regional discord.
The Minister of Works has challenged anyone with contrary facts to an open debate and has promised to publish a comprehensive list of all ongoing and inherited road projects across the six geopolitical zones, especially those above ₦20 billion, in the coming week to further substantiate the Ministry's position.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
