Arewa Forum Accuses Tinubu Administration of Neglecting Northern Region

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of neglecting Northern Nigeria in key areas like federal budget allocations, infrastructure development, and agricultural investment, despite the region's overwhelming support during the 2023 presidential election.

At a recent citizen engagement conference hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna, Bashir M. Dalhatu, Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees, lamented that the North, which contributed over 64% of Tinubu’s electoral support, has been largely sidelined in critical government decisions.

Dalhatu cited data from the Federal Ministry of Works, which showed that only N24 billion of the N1.013 trillionallocated for road projects was directed to the North East, while the South West, President Tinubu’s home region, received a disproportionate N1.394 trillion.

He further criticized the federal government for ignoring major infrastructure projects in the North, including the Baro Inland Port and the long-delayed Mambilla Hydroelectric Dam.

The ACF leader also called for a state of emergency in Nigeria’s power sector, particularly to stimulate economic activity in the North, and questioned why less than 5% of the national budget is allocated to agriculture, despite the region’s central role in food production.

Dalhatu’s remarks echo previous criticisms made by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate, and Babachir Lawal, a prominent Northern politician. Both have warned that the North is being politically shortchanged.

The Presidency, however, responded to Kwankwaso’s claims by publishing a list of ongoing development projects in Northern states, asserting that the administration is acting in line with its campaign promises.

In contrast, the Governors of Kaduna and Gombe States have publicly defended the Tinubu government, insisting that Northern development is progressing and that the concerns are being exaggerated.