The Federal Ministry of Works has firmly refuted claims that its current distribution of road projects is biased against the northern region of Nigeria. This response comes in light of what the ministry described as a “misleading and mischievous” publication by Muhammad Jamil, also known as Jadda Garko, who alleged without substantiation that the north was being neglected.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, in Abuja, the ministry emphasized its commitment to transparency in implementing road and bridge infrastructure projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“For the records, the Federal Ministry of Works has continued to work diligently, transparently, and fairly in implementing the distribution of the ongoing road and bridge infrastructure interventions nationwide,” Ahmed stated.
He highlighted that the ongoing projects are funded through various means, including budgetary provisions, the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, SUKUK, and the Tax Credit Scheme, in addition to inherited and emergency intervention projects.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has significantly improved project monitoring and supervision mechanisms, ensuring that every geopolitical zone receives a fair share of ongoing projects.
Supporting the ministry’s claims, Ahmed provided statistics showing that out of a total of 2,735 km of legacy projects initiated under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the northern region has 1,414 km (52%), while the southern region has 1,321 km (48%).
Additionally, among the 82 Sukuk-funded ongoing projects, 45 are located in the north, and 37 in the south. Of the 260 emergency projects, 108 are being executed in the north, while 98 are in the south. Furthermore, of the 44 road projects under the road tax credit scheme, 23 are in the north and 21 in the south.
The ministry’s statement aims to clarify the factual distribution of road projects and reaffirm its commitment to equitable development across Nigeria.