National News – The Presidency, under Bola Tinubu, has rejected claims of neglect in Nigeria’s North West, insisting that major infrastructure and development projects are actively underway.

The rebuttal came on Monday in Abuja during a media briefing organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors ahead of a project inspection tour across states like Kaduna and Kano.

Officials pointed to the $2bn Kano-Maradi rail line, now about 60% complete, alongside expansions of the Lagos-Kano rail corridor.

According to government representatives, these projects aim to reduce transport costs, boost trade, and ease pressure on roads.

The Special Adviser on Information, Bayo Onanuga, argued that public scepticism stems partly from poor communication rather than lack of performance.

His counterpart, Tunde Rahman, added that the tour would allow Nigerians to “see for themselves” the administration’s work.

Locally, reactions remain mixed. Some residents in Kano and Kaduna acknowledge visible rail and road works, but others argue that insecurity and economic hardship still overshadow infrastructure gains.

For many, the real test is whether these projects translate into jobs, lower prices, and safer communities.

Analysts say the focus on rail development could be strategic, positioning Kano as a future logistics hub linking Nigeria to Niger Republic and beyond.

However, critics warn that cross-border projects may face scrutiny if domestic needs appear unmet.

Politically, the move signals early narrative control ahead of future elections, with the government seeking to shape public perception through visibility and messaging.

Ultimately, the administration’s defence raises a broader question: will infrastructure delivery be enough to shift public opinion in a region where trust in governance has been fragile?