…Warn of growing discontent over infrastructure, economic hardship
A prominent northern socio-political coalition, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has raised fresh concerns over what it describes as the continued marginalisation of Northern Nigeria in the distribution of infrastructure projects and economic policies.
In a press statement issued yesterday, the CNG said recent government spending patterns and economic conditions indicate that the region is being ‘short-changed’, warning that the situation could worsen public frustration if urgent steps are not taken.
According to the group, the allocation of federal road projects has been heavily skewed in favour of southern states. The Coalition alleged that out of more than ₦1 trillion approved for road construction and rehabilitation across the country in late 2025, about 93% of the funds were directed to projects in Southern Nigeria, while Northern states received only around 7%.
The CNG argued that the imbalance is particularly troubling, given that the North occupies a larger portion of the country’s landmass and faces significant security challenges that require improved road infrastructure to support military operations, trade and movement of people. The group warned that persistent disparities in infrastructure investment could further widen development gaps between the regions.
The Coalition also expressed concern over the deepening economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians, especially in the northern region. It noted that inflation had surged above 34% at some point in 2024, significantly driving up the cost of food, transportation and other basic commodities.
Citing data showing that about 133 million Nigerians are living in multi-dimensional poverty, the group cautioned that widespread economic distress could trigger social unrest if the Government fails to address the situation urgently. The Coalition, therefore, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt more inclusive economic and development policies that would ensure equitable distribution of resources across the country.
The Coalition also clarified that its concerns should not be confused with the federal government’s Presidential CNG Initiative (PiCNG), which is aimed at encouraging the conversion of vehicles from petrol to compressed natural gas, as part of efforts to reduce fuel costs and promote cleaner energy. While the PiCNG programme is being expanded nationwide, the Coalition said its complaints are strictly about perceived regional imbalances in infrastructure development and economic policy implementation.
The group called on the Federal Government to ensure fairness and balanced national development in order to sustain unity and stability in the country.
