The Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a campaign group supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's second term, have stated that road, rail, and other critical infrastructure projects funded by both federal and state governments are enhancing socio-economic activities across Nigeria. The group, led by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, conducted a media tour of major projects in Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa states. The tour aimed to counter criticisms that the northern region is marginalized by the federal government.
Journalists visited various projects at different completion stages, including drainages, dams, hospitals, schools, agriculture, and skills acquisition centers. Other team members included former Minister of Sports and Social Development, Sunday Dare; Media Director of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Tunde Rhaman; and Temitope Ajayi.
Abuja-Kaduna Road Project
Starting from Zuba in the Federal Capital Territory, the team inspected the concrete pavement expressway stretching to Jere in Kaduna State, part of Section One of the Abuja–Kaduna segment. Resident Engineer Chukwuma Kalu reported that over 88 kilometers of the road are complete. Innovations include recycling existing asphalt pavement and reinforcing it with concrete and rods. The reinforced concrete pavement sits on a stabilized stone base, gaining strength over time, especially with water. Kalu assured durability and resistance to heavy traffic, unlike traditional asphalt roads that deteriorate under heavy-duty vehicles.
Kano State Projects
In Kano State, the team toured several federal and state projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano federal road and the Kano stretch of the rail line. Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, emphasized the road's importance, noting that commuters now travel smoothly even at night, especially along the Dawakin Tofa axis into Kano metropolis.
The multi-billion naira flyover at Dan Agundi, connecting to Atiku Abubakar Road, is expected to solve over 80% of traffic congestion in the state. Funded through internally generated revenue, the project is due for completion this month. Commissioner for Works, Engineer Marwan Ahmed Aminu, stated, "Since the people of Kano saw where their money is going, they no longer hesitate to pay tax. Moreover, we have an additional source from the federal government due to subsidy removal. This money helps boost revenue for more projects."
The drainage project in Jakara-Korungogau, currently under construction, will address poor sanitation that exposed residents to malaria and other environmental diseases. The N47 billion, 6.7-kilometer ecological project, one of the largest drainages in the state, serves over 10 communities. It was stalled until federal intervention. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, said, "We thank Mr. President for rescuing Kano people. We also commend the Governor for aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda. The north has the highest number of infrastructure projects across the country."
At Hasiya Bayero Pediatric Hospital, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's intervention led to the recovery of the dilapidated facility, previously sold by the former administration for a meager amount. Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, noted that the 80-bed hospital was recovered and renovated by Governor Yusuf. The team also visited Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital, a 230-bed tertiary facility undergoing total renovation.
At Day Science College, Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, stated that education suffered neglect for almost a decade, prompting a state of emergency. In 2024 and 2025, the governor allocated a lion's share to education: 29.75% in 2024, 31.5% in 2025, with N430 billion out of the N1.4 trillion budget for education. Projects cut across 484 wards, including school renovations and free uniforms for primary pupils. Annual enrollment exceeds 4.9 million pupils for basic and post-basic education. Over 18,000 teachers have been recruited in three years. The state sponsors candidates for external examinations, setting aside N4.4 billion this year for over 153,000 candidates.
The team also toured Kafin Chiri Dam in Kano South Senatorial District, abandoned due to lack of funds until President Tinubu approved completion funds.
Kaduna State Projects
In Kaduna State, the team inspected a 51-km East-West Kaduna Bypass executed by Dangote Group under a credit scheme. Federal Controller of Roads in Kaduna State, Engineer Ulagu Loveday, reported that about 19.97 km (40%) has been constructed on the western end, with a December completion date. The contract was awarded in 2021 but delayed for two years over tax credit issues.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the Eastern Bypass, stalled for 22 years due to lack of funds until President Tinubu's intervention, will free Kaduna city from gridlock. "At the end of this year, we will move from Kakao Bridge to Kaduna area, avoiding gridlock." He commended the state government for investing heavily in infrastructure, including the 35-km asphaltic road linking Gadar-Gayan, Gwaraji, and Kujama, the longest single road project in Kaduna's history. It includes a 130-meter bridge over River Kaduna and spans Igabi, Kajuru, and Chikun Local Government Areas. The road is part of 140 road projects covering 1,335 km delivered by Senator Uba Sani's administration, serving at least 76 farming and rural communities, improving mobility, agriculture, and rural economic activities.
This road network connects 66 farming communities, previously lacking access to markets, healthcare, and schools. Benefits include reduced travel time, improved healthcare access, and enhanced school attendance. Beyond roads, the state upgraded 255 primary healthcare centers with solar power for 24-hour electricity and employed about 1,800 health workers, with plans to recruit 9,000 more over five years. Improved road access also helps address school enrollment and retention challenges.
Maiyaki noted that the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses by the state government provides free transportation. Since mid-2025, the buses have transported about 3 million passengers at no cost, saving residents an estimated N3 billion.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, commended President Tinubu for approving large-scale projects in northern Nigeria, stressing that evidence of commitment to regional development abounds. He faulted critics alleging neglect, stating that no other region has benefited as much as the north. He also acknowledged improved security, with reductions in communal and religious crises, especially farmer-herder conflicts.
Onanuga applauded the scale of projects, describing them as "a tip of the iceberg" of President Tinubu's achievements. He attributed progress to bold economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange controls, which freed resources for development and increased state funding. These policies' impacts are visible in infrastructure expansion and economic activities across Kaduna State.
Jigawa State Projects
In Dutse, Jigawa State, the team toured the 400-km Kaduna-Kano-Jigawa and Katsina-Maradi railway line. Engineer Abdullahi Yakubu of the Federal Ministry of Transportation reported that the project, designed to boost socio-economic activities for Nigerians and Niger Republic citizens, is 60% complete.
At Renewed Hope Technical Services Limited, Dutse, Director General of Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment Agency, Habib Muhammad Ubali, said the fabrication workshop and painting bay built by the Governor include main construction and fabrication workshop, offices, and equipment rooms. On display were manufactured goods: a near-complete two-bedroom water cabin, bunk beds for secondary schools, hospital beds, traffic lights, and other equipment. Ubali stated that the centre will serve as a capacity-building hub for youths and generate income for the state. To reduce crime, youths must be kept busy. "If you don't keep them busy, they will keep you busy the other way around. So, we are keeping them busy to earn a decent living and contribute to state and national development."
At the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Multi-Purpose Skills Acquisition Centre, Dutse, remodeled by Governor Mallam Umar Namadi, youths are trained in 14 different trades for economic self-reliance. Ubali expressed the connection between President Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda and the governor's 12-Point Agenda. "Mr. President places so much emphasis on youths. So does our governor. His campaign manifesto centered on accommodating youths through small-scale industries, hence this centre. We can train at least 300 young people at a time. We have an embroidery factory producing garments previously imported from Morocco, Mali, and other parts of the world. We now produce them in Jigawa State. We shall graduate about 1,500 young people annually across eight other centres. This project can curtail security challenges. Idle young people are often conscripted into social evils, but by establishing such training centres, Jigawa has become one of the safest states."
The tour is expected to cover states not under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to showcase benefits of federal funds.
