The Presidency on Monday dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu has neglected the North-West, stating that the administration has delivered major investments across infrastructure, healthcare and transportation in the region.

Officials said a key project, the Kano–Maradi standard gauge railway linking Nigeria to Niger Republic, has reached about 60 per cent completion.

The clarification came during a media briefing in Abuja organised ahead of a nationwide project inspection tour led by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, which will begin in Kaduna and other North-West states.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, said the tour aims to address what he described as misconceptions about the administration’s performance in the region.

He said projects spanning roads, healthcare facilities and rail development were already underway, noting that the Kano–Maradi rail line represents a major transportation investment.

Rahman added that the tour would present the administration’s achievements nationwide as part of broader efforts to inform citizens about government activities over the past three years.

Also speaking, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the initiative was designed to close an information gap that has contributed to public scepticism.

According to him, journalists will be taken to project sites to independently verify progress across sectors.

A technical session at the briefing featured the Director of Rail Transport Services at the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Finbarr Zirra, who outlined ongoing rail developments.

Zirra said the North-West is central to Nigeria’s rail modernisation plan, adding that efforts are underway to revive and expand the network under a long-term strategy first introduced in 2002.

He explained that sections of the Lagos–Kano rail corridor are already operational, including Lagos–Ibadan and Abuja–Kaduna, while the Kaduna–Kano segment is nearing completion.

The Kano–Katsina–Maradi extension, covering roughly 400 kilometres, remains the largest ongoing rail project in the region. Zirra said construction has advanced significantly, particularly in earthworks, with faster progress expected as track installation begins.

He added that a separate Kano–Dutse branch line is also under development as part of the broader rail package.

According to Zirra, Kano will serve as a major rail hub once the network is completed, linking multiple خطوط including the Lagos–Kano main line and the international connection to Maradi.

He noted that expanded rail capacity would reduce pressure on roads, lower transport costs and improve logistics nationwide.

Meanwhile, the government is also considering privately funded high-speed rail proposals covering Lagos–Kano and Lagos–Port Harcourt routes.

The briefing follows the recent launch of a digital platform by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors aimed at providing verified information on government policies and projects.

Chairman of the group and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, said the platform is intended to improve public access to accurate data and counter misinformation about the administration’s reforms.