The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), a prominent socio-political group representing the interests of Northern Nigeria, has issued a stern rebuke to the Tinubu-led federal government, decrying what it describes as the systematic exclusion of the North, particularly the North-East, from critical infrastructural development projects. In a statement released on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, NEF spokesperson Abubakar Jika Jiddere highlighted a "shocking under-representation of capital allocations for infrastructure" in the region, calling the disparity unacceptable and a threat to national unity.
### NEF’s Concerns: A Call for Equity
The NEF’s statement, delivered during a press conference in Abuja, pointed to an alleged imbalance in the federal government’s infrastructure spending. Jiddere specifically cited the exclusion of the North-East from major projects such as railway expansions and federal highway rehabilitations, which he claimed have disproportionately favored Southern and Western regions. "The North, particularly the North-East, has been left to languish while other regions benefit from transformative projects," Jiddere said, emphasizing that such disparities undermine Nigeria’s federal character principle.
The North-East, plagued by years of insurgency and underdevelopment, has long sought increased federal investment to rebuild its infrastructure. NEF argued that the region’s roads, schools, and hospitals remain in dire need of attention, with communities struggling to recover from the devastation caused by Boko Haram. "How can we talk of national progress when an entire region is sidelined?" Jiddere questioned, urging the government to prioritize inclusive development.
Evidence of Disparity?
While the NEF’s statement resonates with many in the North, the claim of exclusion is not without contention. The Tinubu administration has highlighted ongoing projects in Northern Nigeria as evidence of its commitment to the region. For instance, in March 2025, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, announced progress on the Sokoto-Zaria road, a critical artery connecting the North-West to other parts of the country. The project, part of the federal government’s broader infrastructure agenda, was cited as proof of President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to Northern development.
Additionally, the federal government recently approved funds for the rehabilitation of infrastructure in public universities, including institutions in Northern states like Benue and Sokoto. These efforts, officials argue, demonstrate a balanced approach to national development. However, critics, including the NEF, contend that high-profile projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and railway expansions in the South-West have overshadowed smaller-scale initiatives in the North, creating a perception of marginalization.
The absence of detailed 2025 budget allocations in public discourse complicates the debate. Without specific data on capital expenditure for Northern projects, it remains unclear whether the North-East’s exclusion is systemic or a matter of prioritization. Analysts suggest that delays in project implementation in the North-East, often due to security challenges, may contribute to the perception of neglect.
Regional Tensions and Political Context
The NEF’s outcry reflects broader regional tensions in Nigeria, where claims of marginalization are a recurring theme. In 2023, Niger Delta elders similarly criticized the federal government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for inadequate infrastructure investment in their region.
The timing of NEF’s statement is significant, coming less than two years into President Tinubu’s tenure and ahead of the 2027 general elections. Some observers view the criticism as a strategic move to rally Northern support and pressure the administration for greater resource allocation. NEF, known for its vocal advocacy, has previously stirred controversy, notably in 2017 when it endorsed a quit notice issued to Igbos in the North, a stance that drew widespread criticism.
Government’s Response
As of June 11, 2025, the federal government had not issued an official response to NEF’s allegations. However, sources within the Ministry of Works suggest that the administration is preparing a detailed breakdown of its infrastructure spending to counter claims of regional bias. A senior official, speaking anonymously, noted that the government remains committed to equitable development, with plans to accelerate projects in the North-East, including the reconstruction of roads linking Maiduguri to neighboring states.
A Call for Dialogue
The NEF has called for an urgent dialogue between Northern leaders and the federal government to address the perceived imbalance. Jiddere emphasized that the North seeks inclusion, not preferential treatment. "We are not asking for favors; we are demanding fairness," he stated. The group urged President Tinubu to convene a national infrastructure summit to ensure transparent allocation of resources and foster unity across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
The Road Ahead
The controversy underscores the delicate balance of Nigeria’s federal system, where regional interests often compete for limited resources. As the Tinubu administration navigates its infrastructure agenda, addressing the concerns of groups like the NEF will be crucial to maintaining national cohesion. For now, Northern Nigeria awaits concrete action to bridge the gap between perception and reality in the nation’s development landscape.
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