Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, has refuted allegations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sidelined the northern region of the country.
Speaking to journalists in Kano on Wednesday after an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting at the residence of former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, Bichi described such claims as baseless and misleading.
According to him, President Tinubu has launched numerous impactful projects across Nigeria, with a significant focus on infrastructure, agriculture, education, and security in the North.
“In terms of infrastructure under the Federal Ministry of Works, there are several key projects ongoing in the North,” Bichi noted. “The Abuja–Kano highway project is progressing steadily. The Kano–Kaduna section is already completed, while the Abuja–Kaduna stretch is nearing completion.”
He explained that President Tinubu had revoked the initial contract for the project due to underperformance and re-awarded it to a more capable contractor. “Work resumed promptly, and significant progress has been made. According to the Minister of Works, the entire stretch is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter next year,” he added.
Bichi also highlighted the successful completion of a 200-kilometre road from Kano to Hadejia, and the N250 billion Kano Northern Bypass, both under the current administration.
He further revealed that preparations are underway for the construction of a light rail system within Kano metropolis.
“The project is in the procurement stage and is expected to cost approximately $1 billion — that’s about N1.5 trillion. This will significantly improve intra-city transportation in Kano,” he said.
Responding to critics, Bichi expressed disbelief at suggestions that the Tinubu administration is neglecting the North.
“It’s simply not true. As Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, I am fully aware of where funds are being allocated and the scope of development projects across the country, especially in the North,” he stressed.
He urged Nigerians to set aside political bias and recognize the tangible efforts and developmental strides being made under President Tinubu’s leadership.
