The Presidency has countered recent allegations by former Kano State governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is focusing federal projects in the South while neglecting the North.

In a swift response, the Presidency emphasised that Northern Nigeria continues to benefit from numerous ongoing federal projects across critical sectors, including major road infrastructure like the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, and the Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway, as well as significant investments in healthcare, agriculture, energy, and rail development.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, described Kwankwaso’s claims as incorrect and misleading, affirming that the Tinubu led administration has the North “well covered” and is committed to balanced regional development.

In a detailed post on his verified X handle, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr. Sunday Dare, described the allegations as “wrong,” stressing that Northern Nigeria has benefitted from an expansive slate of federal projects under President Tinubu’s administration across sectors such as roads, rail, energy, health, agriculture, and education.

“Senator Kwankwaso. You are wrong. North not neglected. President Tinubu has the North covered,” Mr. Dare stated in the Friday post, which was  accompanied by a comprehensive list of ongoing and completed projects across the northern geopolitical zones.

The Presidential aide outlined infrastructure efforts, he listed major expressways including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway; Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina expressway; and sections of the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway.

Several roads linking key northern towns — such as Zaria, Funtua, Gusau, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Lafia, and Gaya — are either under construction or undergoing rehabilitation.

In the agriculture sector, Mr. Dare identified programmes such as the $158.15 million Agriculture Value Chain Programme targeting nine northern states, the Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi and Gombe, and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), a World Bank–backed environmental initiative.

He also referenced the revitalization of irrigation schemes like the Kano River Project, which was commissioned in 2023 and is fully operational under the Tinubu administration.

The health sector also featured in the refutal, with Mr Dare naming teaching hospitals and diagnostic centres in Zaria, Jos, Katsina, Sokoto, Ilorin, Bauchi, and Yobe, among others.

According to him, more than 1,000 primary health centres across the North are also being reinvigorated as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

On energy and gas infrastructure, the statement underscored the 614km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, the Gwagwalada Power Plant in the FCT, and the proposed 50MW ABIBA Solar Power Station in Kaduna State.

Major rail projects such as the 203km Kaduna–Kano rail line, the 285km Kano–Maradi railway, and a ₦100 billion allocation for a Kaduna Light Rail System were also presented as evidence of federal investment in northern transportation.

Also listed were the ongoing rehabilitation of the Abuja Metro Line and development of inland trade infrastructure through the Trans-Sahara Trade Corridor linking Calabar through Nasarawa and the North.

The Presidential aide further pointed to national programmes and institutions like the reinvigorated National Agency for the Great Green Wall and the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), both of which are focused on environmental challenges peculiar to the North.

“These are just samplers — tangible evidence of a government actively developing all regions without bias,” the presidential aide said.

Mr. Dare concluded the response by stating that all the mentioned projects were either initiated or made substantial progress within the first two years of President Tinubu’s administration.

The Nigerian Government is set to unveil the Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering tertiary students to build scalable, job-creating ventures.

Also known as the “STEMM Up Grant”, the programme will be formally launched in August by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa.

Director of Press at the Ministry, Boriowo Folashade, said the Minister disclosed the plan during a stakeholder engagement session held in Abuja. The forum brought together Vice Chancellors, Provosts, Rectors, student leaders, academic staff, and development partners to map a path for student-led innovation.

“S-VCG is not just a grant. It’s a launchpad for bold, young innovators to lead Nigeria’s industrial and technological transformation. We are giving our students the tools to dream, build, and scale solutions that solve real-world problems — from tech and medicine to agriculture and green energy,” Dr. Alausa stated.

He said the initiative targets full-time undergraduate students in STEMM fields—Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences—specifically those in their 300 level and above.

“Each selected student-led project will be eligible to receive startup funding of up to ₦50 million, along with access to mentorship, incubation services, and business development support. The initiative will be implemented in partnership with the Bank of Industry to ensure financial transparency, impact measurement, and effective project execution,” he added.

Speaking at the session, Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the grant as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s knowledge economy.

“We’re building a stronger, more competitive future by supporting innovation from the ground up,” she said, adding that the programme design followed months of consultation with students, faculty, and institutional leaders.

She said the S-VCG launch aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive education, youth empowerment, and sustainable economic development.

Participants at the session welcomed the STEMM Up Grant as a timely, high-impact initiative that could drive youth innovation, reduce graduate unemployment, and position Nigeria as a hub for student-led entrepreneurship in Africa.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive rollout and robust monitoring to ensure that the initiative delivers measurable and lasting impact across Nigeria’s higher education institutions.

PIAK

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering peace and creating an enabling environment for economic growth and sustainable development.

This commitment was reiterated during a visit by a high-level delegation from the European Union (EU) and Search for Common Ground, who met with representatives of the Plateau State Government to explore partnershikp opportunities in peacebuilding and development.

Speaking on behalf of the governor, Joyce Ramnap, Commissioner for Information and Communication, stated that Plateau is ready to engage with global partners in advancing peace and sustainable development initiatives.

“Our government is working tirelessly to revamp critical sectors of the state’s economy and create one of the most peaceful and business-friendly environments in Nigeria,” Ramnap said.

She highlighted key government initiatives such as the Plateau State Advisory Council on Inter-religious harmony, the Peacebuilding Agency, and Operation Rainbow as proof of the administration’s commitment to long-term peace and security.

The EU delegation was led by Mr. Ruben Alba (EU Team Lead), alongside Ms. Winifred Achu (EU Program Manager), and officials from Search for Common Ground. The Acting Country Director of Search for Common Ground, Ms. Gift Omoniwa, explained that the visit was to evaluate the EU-funded IRENEW project, which has played a significant role in promoting interfaith harmony and youth engagement across Plateau’s 17 Local Government Areas.

The delegation expressed interest in expanding collaboration, particularly in areas of peacebuilding and early conflict response systems. Mr. Alba assured the Plateau State Government of the EU’s commitment to supporting the development of key sectors such as agriculture, ICT, and infrastructure.

In a related development, the state also welcomed a delegation from the United States, led by Ambassador Dr. Linda Kaleidoscope, to Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos.

The visit, under the banner “Dream Plateau, Change Plateau”, focused on identifying investment opportunities in agriculture, education, tourism, and programs targeted at women and children.

Hon. Ramnap expressed appreciation to the U.S. delegation for choosing Plateau State as a partner, emphasizing that the administration of Governor Mutfwang is open to meaningful investments that deliver democratic dividends, innovation, and sustainable growth.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to creating a stable, inclusive, and investor-friendly environment to drive sustainable development and improve the lives of Plateau citizens.

Key Government Officials in Attendance
Several top government officials attended the high-level meeting.

Hauwa Abu

The House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to energy transition as a strategic solution to unemployment and environmental degradation in Nigeria.

This position was made clear during the Africa Policy Dialogue (APD) workshop themed “Green Jobs and Low Carbon Transition”, held in Abuja.

Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, said the 10th Assembly is determined to address policy gaps and offer practical, impactful solutions to key national challenges.

“Let me sincerely thank the Honourable Chairman and Members of the Committee on Renewable Energy for their diligence, foresight, and relentless effort in championing this important cause,” he said.

“As a responsible People’s House, we are fully aware of the strategic importance of green energy, not just because of its environmental significance but also due to its immense economic potential.”

Mr Abbas noted that the dialogue aligns with the Assembly’s broader legislative and oversight responsibilities, especially in the face of Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate change and untapped renewable energy potential.

“Our vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and our untapped renewable energy potential,” he stated.

He reiterated the House’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to expand energy access, preserve ecosystems, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and create jobs.

“Nigeria is at a critical juncture. Bold and deliberate policy choices will determine whether we leap into a sustainable future or remain stalled by outdated systems,” the Speaker warned.

Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, Afam Ogene, said nearly 50 per cent of Nigeria’s renewable energy skilled labour needs remain unmet—hindering the employment of quality personnel in the sector.

“Today, nearly 50 per cent of skilled labour needs in Nigeria’s renewable sector remain unmet. Employers across the country consistently report difficulty hiring qualified technicians, engineers, and system operators,” he said.

Mr Ogene noted the overdependence on imported equipment for renewable energy projects, not due to a lack of raw materials but due to skill gaps and weak policy support for local manufacturing.

“This is not just a workforce problem—it is a policy problem,” he emphasised.

He cited China’s success in creating over 7 million green jobs through deliberate policy support and called on Nigerian academic institutions to realign curricula to meet energy transition demands.

“We recognise that crafting effective green jobs legislation for women and youth is imperative. It requires careful alignment with existing laws and must be potent enough to achieve real impact,” he added.

Ogene expressed confidence in delivering a comprehensive law with support from expert legal advisors, legislative drafters, and his experienced colleagues.

Also speaking at the workshop, Co-founder of Advocacy for Policy Innovation (API), Ms Victoria Manya, urged a people-focused approach to climate action.

“What we must do is reclaim the transition—not only as a climate imperative—but as a generational opportunity to rewrite our social contract,” she said.

She warned that low-carbon efforts risk serving fossil fuel interests unless equity and job creation are prioritised.

“A just transition must not only ask how we reduce emissions—but who gets the new jobs, who trains the workforce, and who shapes the policies,” Ms Manya stressed.

She said Nigeria has the opportunity to lead Africa by embedding labour justice into its renewable energy strategies.

The Africa Policy Dialogue (APD) is a platform for exploring policy solutions around sustainability, with this edition focusing on jobs, climate, and energy equity.

PIAK