The Budget Office of the Federation has disclosed that the North-West geopolitical zone received the highest share of Federal Executive Council projects approved under President Bola Tinubu, amounting to N5.97tn or more than 40 per cent of the total N10.92tn approvals.
The Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu, made this revelation in a statement on Sunday. Yakubu explained that a viral chart circulating online had misleadingly classified national highways and transport corridors that pass through Lagos as “Lagos-only projects.”
He clarified that Lagos-exclusive projects, such as airport fencing, Carter Bridge works, and other localised upgrades, amount to about N1.2tn, while the remaining N2.7tn attributed to the state are national projects that benefit the federation.
“The viral chart bundles together national infrastructure—federal highways, coastal transport corridors, and legacy roads—and labels them ‘Lagos-only projects.’ By that logic, the Kano–Maiduguri expressway could be called a ‘Maiduguri-only project.’ It is a sleight of hand that ignores the truth: these are national arteries, not local trophies,” Yakubu said.
Yakubu provided a breakdown of the approvals, which showed the South-South received N2.41tn, North-Central N1.13tn, South-West (excluding Lagos) N604bn, South-East N407bn, and North-East N400bn. This, he stressed, demonstrated that the North-West was the single largest beneficiary.
Yakubu highlighted the revival of the 255 megawatts Kaduna Power Plant, which had been abandoned for years after being conceived during the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, as one of the key projects earmarked for the region.
He also listed the Kaduna–Kano expressway, the Kano–Maiduguri highway, and the Sokoto–Illela corridor among major infrastructure initiatives, alongside investments in education and security.
The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, equity, and justice in the allocation of national projects, appointments, and opportunities under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said that the government has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to balanced development and inclusivity since assuming office.
The government highlighted major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Badagry–Sokoto Highway, and the Trans-Saharan Highway, as examples of geographic balance. Idris said that over 250,000 jobs are expected to be created through the various infrastructure projects across the country.
The Budget Office’s disclosure and the government’s commitment to fairness and equity have sparked a renewed debate on the allocation of national projects and resources. As the government continues to implement its infrastructure development plans, it remains to be seen how these projects will impact the lives of Nigerians across the country.
