President Bola Tinubu will intensify infrastructure development nationwide to stimulate economic growth and improve Nigerians’ living conditions, presidential aides said on Tuesday.


The aides disclosed this at the State House, Abuja, while briefing journalists on their grassroots community engagement activities. They also serve as zonal directors of the Presidential Campaign Council’s Infrastructure Mobilisation and Sensitisation Directorate.


They highlighted ongoing federal projects in roads, railways, electricity, education, healthcare and agriculture across the six geopolitical zones.


In the North-Central, the senior special assistant to the president on community engagement, Abiodun Essiet, said over 167 kilometres of roads had been completed. She added that more than 1,207 kilometres were under construction, including the Shendam Bridge, Lafia Bypass and Makurdi–Otukpo–9th Mile Road.


Ms Essiet also cited the Abuja–Lokoja Highway, describing infrastructure development as central to addressing citizens’ needs. She said regular community engagement helped the President understand prevailing economic and social challenges.


Ms Essiet added that regular briefings also kept the president and Federal Executive Council members informed about citizens’ concerns. She cited the Mokwa–Bida Road in Niger, saying its last contract award was 46 years ago. She also highlighted fertiliser distribution, tractors, rural markets, solar-powered electricity and educational assistance through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).


In the North-West, Abdullahi Tanko Yakassai highlighted reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway. He said the project was using concrete pavement technology, alongside other infrastructure and security interventions.


Mr Yakassai also cited the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Kaduna-Kano railway and approved monorail projects for Kaduna and Kano. He said the projects would improve transportation, facilitate agricultural trade and stimulate economic activities across the region.


In the South-West, Moremi Ojudu highlighted infrastructure development and local government reforms. She said greater financial autonomy for councils would strengthen grassroots development, support businesses and improve revenue generation.


In the South-East, Chioma Nweze said about 1,000 kilometres of road projects were ongoing. She cited the Enugu–Onitsha and Enugu–Port Harcourt highways, alongside interventions around the First and Second Niger bridges.


Ms Nweze also highlighted the establishment of the South-East Development Commission and proposed expansion of household gas distribution. She said the interventions would improve connectivity, address regional development concerns and promote industrial growth.


In the South-South, Gift Johnbull identified the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway as a major project. She also cited the East–West Road reconstruction, Benin-Agbor Road interventions and Kaa-Ataba Bridge in Rivers.


Ms Johnbull said improved connectivity would support agriculture, strengthen commerce and improve access to markets and essential services. She added that the projects would create economic opportunities beyond the oil and gas sector.


In the North-East, Abdulhameed Abba highlighted federal interventions in roads, education, healthcare and water resources. He particularly cited projects linking Akwanga, Jos, Gombe and Biu, saying they would improve connectivity and stimulate regional economic activities.


The presidential aides reaffirmed their support for Mr Tinubu’s development agenda and urged Nigerians to back his re-election bid in 2027.

(NAN)