The federal government, on Thursday, dismissed claims that it has favored the South in the distribution of road projects, clarifying that 52.48% of the projects initiated under the Bola Tinubu administration are located in the North. The Ministry of Works issued the statement in response to accusations made by Muhammad Jamil, also known as Jadda Garko, alleging ethnic bias in project distribution under the leadership of Minister of Works, David Umahi.
In a detailed response, the ministry criticized Garko for failing to rely on facts or official records, instead making baseless claims about the abandonment of Northern road projects. According to the ministry, the government’s distribution of road infrastructure has been both transparent and equitable, covering all regions of the country.
“For the record, the Federal Ministry of Works has worked diligently, transparently, and fairly in implementing road and bridge infrastructure interventions across the nation,” the statement read, underscoring that projects funded through various models, including the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund and Tax Credit Scheme, are spread across all six geo-political zones.
The ministry revealed that of the 2,735 km of legacy projects initiated by President Tinubu, the North holds 1,414 km, while the South has 1,321 km—amounting to a 52:48 ratio. It also noted that of 82 ongoing Sukuk-funded projects, 45 are located in the North, while 37 are in the South. Similarly, out of 260 emergency projects, 108 are in the North, while 98 are in the South.
The ministry also cited key approvals made at the recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, including a 258 km three-lane carriageway in Kebbi and Sokoto States, the 1,000 km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and the completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road in Rivers State.
The statement emphasized that fairness and inclusivity are core principles of the Renewed Hope agenda, stressing that allegations like those made by Garko were attempts to undermine the government’s efforts.
Additionally, the government announced ongoing repairs on the Lagos-Sango-Ota-Abeokuta road, a key route that has been in disrepair for some time, as part of the ministry’s “Operation Free Our Roads” initiative, aimed at improving federal roads nationwide.