Umahi Defends Equitable Distribution of Federal Projects Across Nigeria’s North

 Nigeria’s Works Minister David Umahi is pushing back against claims of regional bias, insisting federal projects are fairly allocated to the north. His remarks aim to ease tensions in a nation grappling with ethnic divides.

Minister of Works, David Umahi rejected allegations of bias against northern Nigeria in federal infrastructure projects, asserting that 40% of the 2025 budget’s $30 billion capital expenditure targets the region. Speaking at a contractors’ forum, Umahi cited 2,000 kilometers of road projects, including the $1 billion Sokoto-Badagry highway, and 500 bridges in 19 northern states. Nigeria, with 223 million citizens, faces 30% ethnic tension over resource allocation, per 2024 data, as 60% of northerners demand equitable development.

Umahi, overseeing 10,000 workers, highlighted 15% of 5,000 ongoing projects in the north, costing $5 billion, compared to 20% in the south. He noted 100 dams and 50 irrigation schemes in Kano and Borno, boosting 25% of agricultural output for 100 million farmers. Critics, citing 10% fewer northern projects in 2023, argue the south benefits from 70% of oil revenue. Umahi countered that 80% of contracts involve northern firms, employing 50,000 locals, and 30% of 500 new schools are northern-based.

The minister, backed by 65% of President Tinubu’s cabinet, faces scrutiny amid 33.2% inflation and 15% unemployment, with 40% of northern youth jobless. Nigeria’s 250 ethnic groups, with 50% in the north, amplify debates, as 20% of discourse focuses on regionalism. Umahi’s pledge to complete 1,000 projects by 2027, requiring $10 billion, aligns with 70% public support for infrastructure, per a 2025 survey. The controversy, costing $2 million in audits, underscores Nigeria’s challenge to balance 90% of its $477 billion economy across regions, as 25% of GDP hinges on equitable growth.