The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has criticised the Federal Government over the exclusion of the North-West geopolitical zone from the recently approved federal road projects valued at over ₦3.9 trillion, describing the decision as unfair and detrimental to the region.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the coalition said the omission of all seven North-West states from the list of 27 approved road projects reflected what it described as a growing pattern of neglect rather than an administrative oversight.
According to the CNG, the exclusion comes despite the region's significant political support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general election and its strategic role in the country's economy.
The group noted that major federal highways in the region, including the Kano-Katsina-Maradi corridor, Sokoto-Gusau-Funtua axis and Kaduna-Birnin Gwari route, remain critical to agriculture, commerce and national security but were overlooked in the latest approvals.
It also expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the Kano-Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, saying road users continue to face insecurity, traffic congestion, accidents and economic losses despite repeated assurances from the Federal Government.
The coalition argued that the exclusion contradicts the government's commitment to equity, inclusion and balanced national development, adding that leadership should ensure fair distribution of infrastructure projects across all geopolitical zones.
The CNG further criticised the silence of elected and appointed public office holders from the North-West, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, ministers, presidential aides and heads of federal agencies from the region.
According to the group, the officials owe the people of the region an explanation, stressing that political offices should be used to protect and advance the interests of those they represent.
The coalition maintained that the North-West remains Nigeria's largest voting bloc, a major agricultural hub and one of the country's most important commercial regions, warning that continued neglect of its road infrastructure could have adverse consequences for the national economy.
It called on the Federal Government to review the approved list of projects to include critical federal highways across the seven North-West states, accelerate the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway and approve additional strategic road projects for the region.
The CNG reaffirmed its commitment to advocating fairness, equity and equal treatment for all parts of the country, insisting that the North-West deserves infrastructure investment commensurate with its contributions to Nigeria's democracy and economic development.
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