Renewed Hope in the North West: Tinubu’s Development Agenda

By Okoi Obono-Obla 

Renewed Hope in the North West: Tinubu’s Development Agenda:

Nigeria has long grappled with ethnic antagonism, religious bigotry, sectional divisiveness, and biases that often shape how commentators, pundits, and analysts discuss governance. These distortions frequently color opposition narratives, creating false impressions about government performance. One such misleading claim is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has neglected the North West geopolitical zone due to alleged bias against its people. This narrative is not only hollow but patently false.

As of May 2026, the Tinubu administration is actively executing over 48 special intervention projects in the North West, spanning infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, and healthcare. These projects are designed to accelerate regional development and ensure inclusivity.

Key Infrastructure and Transportation Projects:
– Kaduna-Kano-Katsina-Maradi Railway: Linking Northern Nigeria with Niger Republic to boost trade, with a Kaduna flyover slated for completion in December 2026.
– Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway: Major reconstruction works, with the Kano section nearing completion.
– Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway: Active construction in Kebbi and Sokoto, including concrete pavement and street lighting.
– Kaduna Western Bypass: A 21-kilometre dual carriageway, stalled for over 20 years, now 50% complete.
– Regional Road Network: Rehabilitation of Kano–Kongolam, Sokoto–Gusau, and Malando–Ngaski–Wara roads.

Agricultural and Economic Interventions:
– Kano Irrigation Project: ₦27 billion investment under the Ecological Fund.
– Agricultural Incubation Centre: A 10-hectare facility at Bayero University, Kano, established by NASENI.
– North West Development Commission (NWDC): Headquarters in Kano, serving as a pivotal driver of regional development, coordinating infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital initiatives.
– ECoN Initiative: Deployed in Kano to transform research into market-ready products.

Medical and Ecological Projects:
– Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital: Upgrades include a cardiovascular centre, paediatric centre, and student hostel.
– Erosion Control: ₦47 billion ecological fund intervention in Wujuwuju-Jakara, Kano.

Role of the North West Development Commission (NWDC):
The NWDC is central to the administration’s vision for the region. It coordinates federal interventions, ensures equitable distribution of resources, and drives long-term development strategies across Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara. By institutionalizing regional planning, the Commission guarantees that projects are not ad hoc but part of a sustainable framework for growth.

Conclusion:
The claim that President Tinubu’s administration has ignored the North West is unfounded. With over 48 active projects, ranging from highways and railways to agricultural hubs and ecological interventions, the region is a primary beneficiary of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The establishment of the North West Development Commission further cements the administration’s commitment to balanced national development. The facts speak clearly: the North West is not neglected but prioritized.