By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The Federal Ministry of Works has responded to a misleading publication by Muhammad Jamil, also known as Jadda Garko, who claimed without evidence that the Northern Region has been neglected in the distribution of the ongoing Renewed Hope Agenda road projects.
For clarity, the Federal Ministry of Works has been committed to the diligent, transparent, and equitable implementation of road and bridge infrastructure initiatives across the country. This encompasses projects funded through budget allocations and other financing models, including the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, Sukuk, and Tax Credit Scheme.
The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) Nweze David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has notably enhanced project monitoring and supervision mechanisms for these initiatives across the six geo-political zones. Nigerians can attest that every region has received its fair share of ongoing projects.
Statistics reveal that out of a total of 2,735 km of Legacy Projects initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the North accounts for 1,414 km, while the South covers 1,321 km, reflecting a distribution ratio of 52:48. Furthermore, among the 82 Sukuk-funded projects, 45 are in the North and 37 in the South.
Of the 260 emergency projects, 108 are in the North and 98 in the South. Additionally, out of the 44 road projects executed under the Road Tax Credit Scheme, 23 are located in the North and 21 in the South.
To further demonstrate fairness in project distribution, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on September 23, 2024, approvals were granted for several significant projects, including a 258 km three-lane carriageway in Kebbi and Sokoto States, part of the 1,000 km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway. Other approved projects include the completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road with bridges across the Opobo Channel in Rivers State, and the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway.
Additional projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda include the repair of the damaged loops and ramps of the Third Mainland Bridge, rehabilitation of Adeniji-Falomo roads, construction of service lanes for the Lekki Deep Sea Port, and dualization of the Afikpo-Uturu-Okigwe Road spanning Ebonyi, Abia, and Imo states.
The distribution of these approved projects consistently reflects the Renewed Hope administration’s commitment to fairness. The Ministry has achieved significant milestones in the North, including the construction and expansion of the Mararaba-Keffi Road, the Lafia Bypass in Nasarawa State, and the dualization of the 9th Mile (Enugu State)-Otukpo-Makurdi road project.
The Honourable Minister has visited these projects and established a supervision mechanism to ensure quality and timely execution.
The Ministry remains steadfast in applying principles of fairness, justice, equity, and good conscience in distributing and executing road infrastructure projects. The Minister has demonstrated a commitment to passion, professionalism, inclusivity, and nation-building.
The allegations made by Jadda Garko, described as a singer and politician, are unfounded and aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the Honourable Minister for personal gain. The public is urged to disregard these baseless claims, as they serve only to misrepresent facts and distract from the Ministry’s commendable efforts.
