President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime will soon inaugurate two legacy projects as part of its efforts to boost infrastructure in Nigeria, says Minister of State for Works and Housing, Mu’azu Sambo.

He gave the assurance in New York and listed the two projects as the 11.9km Second Niger Bridge and 120km Lagos-Ibadan highway.

“The Second Niger Bridge that has eluded every administration will be commissioned in October by President Muhammadu Buhari and Lagos-Ibadan highway, that has deferred previous administrations will be commissioned in June,” he said.

Mr Sambo said Mr Buhari’s regime invested so much in road infrastructure.

“For example, within 18 days between November 25 and December 13, 2021, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari handed over 941km of roads connecting 10 states in five geopolitical zones. They represent critical infrastructure necessary to develop a country and its people for them to be able to get on with their lives in an easy and convenient way,” the minister explained. “President Buhari clearly understands the necessity to invest in infrastructure, not just to support a growing population but as an economic driver.”

He stressed that it “is therefore not surprising that, through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, we are managing over 1,019 contracts involving 958” bridges and road projects.

He added, “We are also constructing houses in 34 states of the Federation.”

According to the minister, Nigeria has no choice than to prepare for the present and for the future, planning to provide for its citizens by investing in infrastructure.

“It is the bed rock of development. Infrastructure covers all the sectors of life. Are you talking about transportation infrastructure?” stated the minister. “That is why this government has spent so much in building railways.”

Mr Sambo also mentioned that the population growth, which is about two and half per cent per annual, would increase to 400 million by 2050 from current 200 million.

“Also, the rate of urbanisation is also very high because people move from rural areas to urban centres in search of means of livelihood. The easiest means of livelihood in urban areas is construction,” Mr Sambo stated. “The construction sector is the largest employer of labour anywhere in the world. Seventy to 90 per cent of construction in every country takes place in urban centres.” 

(NAN)