In a recent interview with Sahara TV, Senator Elisha Abbo voiced strong concerns over the Federal Government’s infrastructure spending, alleging a disproportionate allocation that favors the southern regions while neglecting the North.
He pointed to a ₦13 trillion project concentrated in a single area, questioning the equity of such distribution.
“You put up a project of ₦13 trillion in one place; what did you put in the entire North? Next to nothing,” Senator Abbo remarked. “How do you run a country like that and how do you want people to be happy?”
The senator’s comments have sparked a broader discussion about regional disparities in Nigeria’s infrastructure development. Critics argue that such imbalances can exacerbate existing tensions and hinder national unity.
This controversy comes amid reports of significant financial irregularities within the Ministry of Works. An audit revealed over ₦4.6 billion in unapproved spending during the tenure of former Minister Babatunde Fashola, including payments without proper documentation and contracts awarded without due process.
Furthermore, the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria estimates that the country has over ₦17 trillion worth of abandoned projects, highlighting systemic issues in project planning and execution.
The Federal Government has defended its infrastructure initiatives, citing efforts like the approval of ₦1.9 trillion for the reconstruction of 44 federal roads across the country. However, critics argue that without equitable distribution and effective oversight, such investments may not address the underlying disparities.
Senator Abbo’s remarks underscore the need for a more balanced approach to national development, ensuring that all regions receive fair consideration in infrastructure planning and execution.
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