The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has raised serious concerns over what it described as the “systematic marginalization” of Northern Nigeria in federal budgetary allocations and infrastructure development under President Bola Tinubu’s administration—despite the region’s overwhelming support in the 2023 general elections.
Speaking during a citizen engagement forum organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna, ACF Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu, alleged that the North, which delivered over 64% of Tinubu’s total electoral votes, has been excluded from major policy decisions and deprived of critical developmental projects.
Dalhatu cited a Federal Ministry of Works report which, according to him, shows a glaring disparity in road infrastructure allocations. “Out of the N1.013 trillion allocated for roads, the South West received N1.394 trillion, while the North East was allotted a meager N24 billion,” he stated. He also condemned the continued neglect of long-standing projects vital to the North, such as the Mambilla Hydroelectric Dam and the Baro Inland Port.
The ACF leader further expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s allocation of less than 5% of the budget to agriculture, despite the North’s status as Nigeria’s food basket. He called for the declaration of a state of emergency in the power sector, stressing that without reliable electricity, industrial and economic growth in the region remains impossible.
The ACF’s criticism echoes recent remarks by 2023 presidential aspirant, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who also accused the Tinubu government of neglecting the region. The presidency swiftly responded to Kwankwaso’s claims, listing several ongoing infrastructure projects in the North.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has similarly voiced concerns over what he termed a pattern of exclusion. However, governors from Kaduna and Gombe states came to the defense of the administration, assuring the public that the Tinubu-led government is steadily fulfilling its campaign promises and ensuring regional balance in project execution.
The growing criticisms highlight the mounting pressure on the federal government to address perceived imbalances and reaffirm its commitment to national unity and equitable development.
