By Okoi Obono-Obla
In this age of Information and Communication Technology, where Android smartphones and other gadgets make communication easy and accessible, anyone with a smartphone can become a journalist by merely sitting in the comfort of their room to write a story that, in a split second, reaches all corners of the world. One consequence of this is the growing propensity for misinformation, disinformation, and the peddling of fake stories capable of turning society upside down. As a result, there is an avalanche of fake narratives flying around cyberspace, especially during periods of intense politicking, where politicians may go to great lengths to manipulate public opinion for political gain.
Nowadays, a common refrain on social media is the claim by opponents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and critics of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration: “What has APC done since 2015 or what has Tinubu achieved since 2023, except spreading hunger and insecurity?” I have taken it as a personal endeavour to debunk this falsehood and distortion. The narrative that APC has achieved nothing, and that its only legacy is hunger and insecurity, is politically motivated and amounts to nothing but bunkum and balderdash.
Despite inheriting a tottering economy in 2023, President Tinubu has made significant strides, particularly in the North Central Geopolitical Zone, which comprises Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Under the “Renewed Hope” agenda, his administration has implemented several infrastructure projects focusing on road connectivity, energy, and economic development.
Road Infrastructure & Connectivity
– Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road (439 km): Ongoing reconstruction with a redesign from flexible to rigid pavement for durability.
– Abakaliki–Abuja Highway: A major corridor under construction, terminating at Apo in the FCT.
– Lokoja–Benin Road: Significant work ongoing on this vital link to the North Central zone.
– Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway (1,068 km): Though linking the Northwest to the Southwest, it traverses parts of the North Central region.
– Other rehabilitation efforts on critical transport corridors to boost economic activity.
Energy & Industrial Projects
– Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline: A critical pipeline passing through the North Central zone, central to industrial development.
– Gwagwalada Power Plant: A ₦100 billion-plus project in the FCT to boost national power generation.
– Ajaokuta Steel Company: Renewed focus on reviving the steel complex in Kogi State.
Regional Development & Social Infrastructure
– Agriculture Value Chain Initiatives: Projects aimed at agricultural modernization in various states.
– Healthcare Rehabilitation: Over 1,000 primary healthcare centers rehabilitated nationwide, including facilities in the North Central region.
Creation of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC)
A landmark achievement of the Tinubu administration is the establishment of the North Central Development Commission under the NCDC Act 2024. The Commission was created to address developmental challenges unique to the North Central zone and to accelerate socio-economic transformation.
The objectives of the NCDC as articulated in the Act include:
– Reconstruction and Rehabilitation: Coordinating programs for rebuilding communities affected by insecurity and natural disasters.
– Infrastructure Development: Driving road, energy, and industrial projects to enhance connectivity and productivity.
– Agricultural Modernization: Supporting farmers with modern techniques, inputs, and value-chain development.
– Human Capital Development: Promoting education, healthcare, and skills acquisition to empower the region’s population.
– Economic Diversification: Encouraging investment in mining, steel, and other industries to reduce dependence on oil revenues.
– Peacebuilding and Security Support: Working with stakeholders to foster peace and stability in the region.
Conclusion-
As of May 2026, the North Central region has been allocated projects valued at over ₦1.13 trillion, alongside the establishment of the NCDC to institutionalize development. The narrative that APC and President Tinubu’s administration have achieved nothing is misleading. The evidence of ongoing infrastructure, energy, and social development projects, coupled with the creation of the NCDC, demonstrates a clear commitment to progress despite economic challenges. While misinformation thrives in the digital age, facts remain the strongest antidote.
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