… Forum Points To Unequal Allocation Across Geopolitical Zones

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has drawn attention to a significant disparity in federal road project allocations, citing a May 2025 statement from the Ministry of Works that allocated ₦1.394 trillion to the South-West, while the North-East received ₦30 billion and the North-West ₦105 billion.

The revelation, made public by ACF leader Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu during a recent engagement, showed ongoing concerns about regional equity in national infrastructure development.

Dalhatu emphasized that the figures reflect a broader pattern of neglect, particularly affecting northern states that have historically contributed substantial support to federal leadership.

The ACF’s statement highlighted that the North-East, plagued by years of insurgency, and the North-West, facing banditry, receive disproportionately low funding compared to the South-West, raising questions about the equitable distribution of resources.

The forum called for a review of project prioritization to address these imbalances, urging the federal government to release detailed breakdowns of allocations to ensure transparency.

The issue has sparked discussions among northern stakeholders, with some advocating for a parliamentary probe into the ministry’s budgeting process. Community leaders in the affected regions echoed the ACF’s concerns, noting that inadequate road infrastructure hampers economic activities and security operations.

The federal government has yet to respond officially, but ministry officials indicated that allocations are based on project readiness and national economic priorities, a stance likely to fuel further debate as the 2027 elections approach.

The ACF’s move is seen as part of its broader campaign to hold the administration accountable on regional development promises.