Faiz Alfindiki, a former local government chairman in Kano State, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing infrastructure development in northern Nigeria. He stated that more than 52% of major national projects are currently located in the region.
Alfindiki Highlights Key Projects
In a statement issued in Abuja, Alfindiki listed several flagship initiatives, including the proposed Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, a 1,068-kilometre six-lane road that will link northern and southern Nigeria and incorporate a rail line. Other projects include the reconstruction of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano road, rehabilitation of the Kano–Maiduguri road, dualisation of the Kano–Katsina route, the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe road, the Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto corridor, and the Kano–Hadejia road. He also mentioned the Cham–Numan bridge project, which is expected to improve movement and economic activity in surrounding communities.
On rail infrastructure, Alfindiki pointed to the $1.2 billion Kano–Kaduna rail line, the Kano–Maradi rail project, and a proposed light rail system in Kaduna, which he said would modernize urban transport.
Energy, Health, and Agriculture Investments
In the energy sector, he highlighted the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano gas pipeline, a key project expected to support industrial growth and improve gas supply. He also referenced the 1,350-megawatt Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant and solar energy projects in Kaduna State aimed at expanding cleaner energy use.
On social infrastructure, Alfindiki mentioned the upgrade of Misau General Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre, improvements at Reference Hospital Kaduna, and rehabilitation works at the Kumpada Irrigation Project.
Alfindiki Slams Kwankwaso
Alfindiki cautioned against politically motivated narratives and urged residents to assess development based on ongoing projects. He criticized opposition figures, including Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, accusing them of offering criticism without clear alternatives. “The time for propaganda and misinformation is over. Development is driven by action, planning and commitment, not noise,” he said. He called on northern residents to support ongoing projects and avoid divisive political messaging, emphasizing the need for collective efforts toward regional development.
Group Slams Atiku Over Economy Criticism
In a related development, a civic group, Advocates for Economic and Political Advancement, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent comments on Nigeria’s economy, describing them as “cheap politics” and propaganda rather than objective analysis. The group’s remarks add to the growing public debate over economic reforms introduced by President Tinubu, which have drawn both praise and criticism amid persistent cost-of-living pressures. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the group’s spokesman, Opialu Fabian, said Atiku’s reference to Nigeria’s external reserves, estimated at $48.45 billion, was misleading and lacked context.
