North-West Leads FEC Approvals With N5.97tn Projects Under Tinubu

The North-West geopolitical zone has emerged as the biggest beneficiary of Federal Executive Council (FEC) approvals under President Bola Tinubu, with projects valued at N5.97 trillion. This represents over 40 percent of the N10.92 trillion worth of projects approved so far, according to the Budget Office of the Federation.

Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu, disclosed the figures in a statement on Sunday. He clarified that a viral chart circulating online had misrepresented national infrastructure projects as “Lagos-only,” thereby distorting the true picture of project distribution.

Yakubu explained that while exclusive Lagos projects—such as airport fencing and Carter Bridge rehabilitation—account for about N1.2 trillion, another N2.7 trillion linked to the state covers highways and transport corridors that serve the entire federation.

“The viral chart bundles together federal highways and national transport corridors and labels them ‘Lagos-only projects.’ By that logic, the Kano–Maiduguri expressway could be called a ‘Maiduguri-only project.’ These are national arteries, not local trophies,” he said.

A breakdown of project allocations showed the South-South receiving N2.41 trillion, the North-Central N1.13 trillion, the South-West (excluding Lagos) N604 billion, the South-East N407 billion, and the North-East N400 billion.

Among the North-West’s flagship projects are the revival of the 255MW Kaduna Power Plant, abandoned since the Yar’Adua administration, the Kaduna–Kano expressway, the Kano–Maiduguri highway, and the Sokoto–Illela corridor, alongside investments in education and security.

The Federal Government has defended its approach, insisting that project allocations are guided by fairness and equity. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Tinubu administration has shown “an uncommon commitment to balanced development and inclusivity.”

He pointed to major initiatives such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Badagry–Sokoto Highway, and the Trans-Saharan Highway as proof of nationwide spread. Idris also noted that more than 250,000 jobs are expected to be generated through ongoing infrastructure projects.

The disclosures have reignited debate over the distribution of national resources, with stakeholders urging close monitoring to ensure that approved projects translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians across regions.