Tinubu Pledges Equitable Development, Faces Northern Marginalization Claims

On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, assured equitable development across Nigeria’s regions at a two-day government-citizens’ engagement in Kaduna, organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation. Tinubu highlighted achievements under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including economic reforms like exchange rate unification, security enhancements neutralizing over 11,259 hostages by May 2025, and infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Kano-Maradi rail. He defended fuel subsidy removal, saving ₦3.7 trillion in 2024 per the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), with redirected funds supporting 400,000 students via the Students’ Loan Programme (₦53 billion disbursed) and state allocations. Northern Governors, led by Gombe’s Muhammadu Yahaya, reaffirmed support, citing projects like the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway and Kolmani oil drilling, while National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu noted a decline in Boko Haram and banditry, with Kaduna’s 2023–2024 killings dropping from 1,192 to 287, per security reports.

However, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Chairman Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu and former SGF Babachir Lawal echoed Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso’s claims of northern marginalization, citing skewed budgetary allocations (₦1.394 trillion for South-West vs. ₦105 billion for North-West in 2025, per Ministry of Works) and neglected projects like Ajaokuta Steel and Mambilla Hydro Dam. Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Dr. Ezechi Chukwu called for restructuring to reduce Abuja dependency, while Pan-Niger-Delta Forum’s Mr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini criticized underrepresentation in federal appointments and the dilapidated East-West Road. Middle Belt Forum’s Dr. Bitrus Pogu doubted Tinubu’s pledge, citing economic challenges with 34.2% inflation (NBS, June 2025), but wished for broader development. X posts from @ArewaVoice and @Naija_Activist on July 29 reflected mixed sentiments, with some praising Tinubu’s reforms and others decrying perceived regional bias.