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Tag: Projects

  • FG says only competent contractors will handle road projects

    FG says only competent contractors will handle road projects

    The Federal Government says only competent contractors will henceforth be engaged in handling road projects across the country to reduce the incidence of delay in completion.

    Sen. Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, disclosed this to State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said that some contractors have been identified with collecting several road projects at once without the capacity to handle such projects.

    ‘’The delay of contractor completion has been identified as the propensity of contractors to take on several road projects that they do not have the equipment to tackle.

    ‘’This has led to delays and sometimes abandonment of projects across the country. This needs to change so that the renewed hope of the Tinubu-led administration can reach and benefit the people,’’ he said.

    Umahi said that the President also approved the contract for various roads across the country that needed urgent attention including the Benin-Sapele, Third Mainland bridge rehabilitation, the East-West road among others.

    On the use of asphalt, the minister said that contractors are allowed to use it with certain conditions attached so as to ensure quality job.

    ‘’The ministry is only providing an alternative to asphalt by introducing the use of concrete in road constructions. But if any contractor wishes to continue with the asphalt, then he must meet conditions.

    ‘’The conditions are that you will guarantee Nigerians that when you finish this asphalt road, job, which you are very sure it will not fail within at least 15 years. The design shelf life is 20 years but assure us in writing from a reputable insurance company and from their own company that this road will not fail within 15 years.

    ‘’So we are saying that concrete is very friendly with water and so we want you contractors to have an alternative. There is a catalyst in the use of concrete pavement. It will create jobs for our people. Everything about the construction is local.

    ‘’10 manufacturers of cement have indicated interests to build cement factories. That is good for our economy. It will reduce pressure on the Naira. The road is going to be much more durable,’’ he said.

    Umahi called for the cooperation of all stakeholders to the various reforms by the administration to create a new economic prosperity for Nigerians, adding ”no gang up by anybody or group” will deter this determination.

  • Projects: Oborevwori tasks politicians on continuity in governance

    Projects: Oborevwori tasks politicians on continuity in governance

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has advised political class especially governors to sustain developmental projects inherited from their predecessors for the development of their states.

    Oborevewori made the call while inaugurating multi-billion naira projects at the Dennis Osadebe University, Anwai-Asaba to mark his 100 days in office.

    The projects were completed by Oborevewori but initiated by the immediate past Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa.

    He also inaugurated a 16km road with a network covering 29 streets and 31.45 km line drains around Madonna College road spanning across Asaba and Okpanam in Oshimili South and North Local Government Area in the state capital territory.

    Oborevwori said government is a continuum, adding that it was the duty of successive administrations to continue and complete projects initiated by their predecessors for the collective good of the people.

    He commended his predecessors in the state for continuing with projects they met while also initiating and executing new projects.

    He particularly lauded former governor Okowa for initiating the projects.

    “My joy knows no bounds as we commission this 500-seater Auditorium, two 250-seater Auditorium, building and furnishing of the Faculty of Agriculture, administrative building, main gate building, and internal roads in this citadel of learning.

    “There are two reasons for my happiness today, first is that I promised the people in my inaugural speech that I will ensure that all ongoing projects embarked upon by the previous administration would be completed alongside new initiatives.

    “Government is a continuum and it is the duty of successive administrations to put the resources of the state to good use by ensuring that projects are completed in a timely and prudent manner,” he said.

    According to him, one of the reasons for abandoned projects in our country is because of the failure or refusal of political leaders to continue with projects started by their predecessors.

    “This is usually informed by the fear that their predecessors will get the credit. However, this should not be the case if the focus of the leader is on the collective good of all.

    “I am proud to say that in Delta, we have had a history of successive governors building on the legacies of their predecessors.

    ” It is my honour and privilege to continue with that noble tradition as I give credit to the immediate past governor of the state, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for his vision and foresight in initiating these projects.”

    On the importance of education, Oborevwori assured that his administration would continue to give moral and institutional support for the development of the three new universities.

    “The second reason for my joy is that the completion of these projects underscores our commitment to the educational advancement of our people.

    “Education and knowledge are two cornerstones of progress in any modern society.

    ” The emplacement of skilled and professional competencies for all the citizens and residents of the state is one of the priorities of this administration.

    “It is also gratifying to note that enrollment into the university has continued to grow. This is undeniable proof that the decision to establish this university and two others in Ozoro and Agbor is justified.

    “Our people are eager for quality education and we are glad that we have provided more opportunities for them to actualize their dreams,” he said.

    He tasked the university authority to prioritise curriculum development and innovation to make graduates meet up with challenging technological

    “I implore the Governing Council and the Board of the university to prioritise curriculum development and innovation.

    “In a time of rapid economic and technological change, the challenge is to develop courses and programmes that will enable the graduates to forge the strongest career paths, learn new skills, solve real world business problems.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari commended the governor for transforming a bush into a citadel of learning with seven faculties and 40 programmes to cater for the growing population of the state.

    The Vice-Chancellor,  Prof. Benjamin Oghojafor in his address, said the establishment of the three new Universities was born out of the need to grant more access to higher education for the people of Delta.

    He said that the university was already filling the gap by providing excellent skills in various areas of learning, adding that they were in talks with the NUC to increase the school’s admission quota.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze said that the completion of the 16km roads project was a great relief to people of the area who had been plagued by massive flooding and erosion challenges.

    Also, the Council Chairmen in Oshimili South, Dr Kelvin Ezenyili and his Oshimili North counterpart, Mr Innocent Eseweze lauded Gov. Oborevwori for consolidating on the achievements of the past administration in completing ongoing projects across the two LGAs.

  • Lalong to inaugurate 32 projects – commissioner

    Lalong to inaugurate 32 projects – commissioner

    The Commissioner for Information in Plateau state, Mr Dan Manjang, says Gov. Simon Lalong will inaugurate 32 completed projects across the state before the end of his administration.

    Manjang announced this in Jos on Monday while inspecting the remodelled Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat; one of the projects to be inaugurated.

    He explained that President Muhammadu Buhari would inaugurate 12 out of the 32 projects which were spread across the state.

    “I am glad to inform you that Lalong is set to inaugurate 32 projects across the state before his tenure elapses.

    “The ministry has come as an advance party to inspect the project at the NUJ Press Centre before its furnishing which will be completed in two days.

    “The president will inaugurate the British-America interchange, the Jos High Court Complex and the Multi-Door Court House, Kalong Bridge in Shendam, three general hospitals in Kwall, Kanke and water project in Riyom’’, he said.

    Manjang commended the journalists in Plateau for adequately reporting activities of the government, adding that the incoming government should prioritise journalists’ activities and carry them along.

    He called for better remuneration and insurance for journalists to help them to discharge their duties effectively and objectively.

    The state chairman of the NUJ, Mr Paul Jatau, thanked the state government for remodelling the centre and charged journalists to make use of the facility.

  • Govt beefs up security as Buhari arrives Kano

    Govt beefs up security as Buhari arrives Kano

    Security has been beefed up in parts of Kano metropolis in readiness for President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the state to commission eight development projects.

    As of 7 a.m., security personnel – the Police, the Civil Defence Corps, the FRSC and the state’s Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA), were drafted ahead of the visit.

    The roads manned by the security operatives included Sabo Bakin Zuwo, formerly known as State Road, Emir’s Palace, Ahmadu Bello Way and Audu Bako Way.

    A statement on Sunday by the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Malam Muhammad Garba, said arrangements had been concluded to receive the President.

    Garba said Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje would receive the President and his entourage.

    While in Kano, Buhari would commission the 10 megawatts Federal Government’s Kano Grid Solar Power, and the multi-billion Naira Dala Inland Dry Port in Zawachiki, Kumbotso Local Government area.

    He also said Buhari would commission the Kano State Data Centre at Audu Bako Secretariat, Tier Data Centre and office complex at Galaxy Backbone Limited on Ahmadu Bello Way.

    The others are Cancer Treatment Centre at Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital, Giginyu; Muhammadu Buhari Road Rotary Interchange at NNPC Station, on Maiduguri Road; Aliko Dangote Ultra-Modern Skill Acquisition Centre, Zaria Road and Federal Government Housing Units at Gandun Sarki, Darmanawa.

  • President Buhari to inaugurate 5 projects in Lagos

    President Buhari to inaugurate 5 projects in Lagos

    The Lagos State Government on Friday said that  President Muhammadu Buhari would be inaugurating at least five projects in the state in two days.

    The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso made this known in Ikeja, during the news conference on State Visit by President Buhari, scheduled from Jan. 23 to 24.

    Omotoso said  the projects to be inaugurated were the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which showed a symbol of a good working relationship between the public and private sectors.

    He said that the projects included the 32-metric tons per hour Lagos Rice Mill, one of the largest in the world and the 18.75-kilometer Six-lane rigid-pavement Eleko Junction to Epe Expressway.

    According to him, President Buhari will also be inaugurating the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History and the iconic Lagos Blue Line rail project.

    ”As you are well aware, this will be the  President’s first official visit to Lagos state since assumption of office by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat in May, 2019.

    ”Although the governor has hosted the President during some of his visits to Lagos, next week’s visit by President Muhammadu Buhari will be one with a difference.

    ”It is a visit where the President will again,  see the beauty of Lagos and take the opportunity to see first-hand and commission the life changing and people-oriented projects undertaken by the  Sanwo-Olu administration,” he said.

    The commissioner said that apart from the five government-executed projects, President Buhari would also inaugurate a private sector project, MRS Lubricant factory in Apapa.

    He said that to this end, President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Lagos had been tagged: ”A Festival of Project Commissioning”.

    Omotoso said that on arrival on Monday, Jan. 23, President Buhari would be led by Sanwo-Olu to the Lekki Deep Sea Port for the official inauguration of the largest Sea Port in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    He said  the President was expected to drive through and inaugurate the newly constructed Eleko Junction to Epe Road project before departing for the inauguration of the Lagos Rice Mill in Imota.

    ”We all know that Lagos is known for its remarkable hospitality and conviviality. These attributes will be on display in the evening of Monday, Jan. 23, during the State banquet being organised in honour of our guest.

    ”The governor and his spouse, Dr  Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu will lead other dignitaries to give the  President  a befitting Lagos welcome,” Omotoso said.

    He said that on the second day, Jan. 24, the President would inaugurate the MRS Lubricant factory, a private sector project in Apapa and the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.

    The commissioner said that after that, President Buhari would move to the Lagos Blue Line Rail Project in Marina, where he would witness the signing of the second phase of the rail project, from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.

    He will inaugurate the Phase I and take a train ride from Marina to Mile 2 and back, and depart Lagos.

  • Federal character commission moves to audit projects nationwide – Chairman

    Federal character commission moves to audit projects nationwide – Chairman

    The Federal Character Commission (FCC)is to begin nationwide infrastructure audit for all ongoing and abandoned projects in the country.

    Dr Muheeba Dankaka, Chairman of the commission, made this known on Wednesday, in Calabar, at a sensitisation programme for stakeholders in the South South zone.

    She said the action is in line with ensuring the spread of infrastructure.

    ”The nationwide infrastructure audit for all on-going and abandoned projects is to ascertain and verify their importance and level of completion.

    ”The commission will continue to ensure equity and fairness within the federation and evaluate the spread of socio-economic amenities as represented by the location of projects in Nigeria, and ensure compliance,” she said.

    She also noted the level of increasing collaboration with government agencies responsible for providing Socio-Economic amenities and Infrastructural facilities.

    Dankaka said that interactions with MDAs over the years have recorded considerable level of acceptance and compliance with the FCC as regards to distribution of bureaucratic posts.

    She said that it was on that basis that the commission decided to begin the implementation of its second mandate of ensuring equitable distribution of socio-economic amenities and infrastructural facilities nationwide.

    “Various MDAs such as Ministry of Transport, Education, Health, Works, Power and Housing, the Bureau of Statistics and Budget Office of the Federation are collaborating with us.

    “Simirlarly, ad-hoc intervention programs of government are now working closely with us on the need to imbibe the spirit of Federal Character as they embark on capital projects across the country,” she said.

    She further said that the commission was open to collaboration and assistance from other government agencies, External Development Partners, Private and Public Sectors, Non-Governmental Organisations and Civil Societies Organisations.

    “We believe fervently that such collaboration, consultations and synergy with the commission will greatly enhance the achievement of our mandate of ensuring broad-based development of the nation.

    “Since the policy thrust of this government is aimed at bringing about integrated and balanced development of the country, it becomes obvious that the twin-mandate of the commission can provide a veritable platform for its actualisation,” she said.

    Dankaka however noted that the challenges of inadequate data on infrastructural distribution and spread of socio-economic projects in Nigeria have made it difficult to appraise even distribution of projects and programmes.

    Newsmen reports that the workshop has as it theme: “Promoting Peace and National Development Through Equitable Distribution of Socio-Economic Amenities and Infrastructural Facilities Nationwide.”

    Newsmen also reports that the workshop was attended by all the commissioner representing the zone in the commission as well as representatives of all federal establishments in Cross River.

    The Commission also inaugurated its permanent office complex in the state.

  • FG owes contractors over N11 trillion – Fashola

    FG owes contractors over N11 trillion – Fashola

    The Federal Government owes contractors about N11.16tn for the construction of various highways across the country and certificates of completion.

    The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), who made this disclosure while defending the proposed budget of his ministry in the 2023 Appropriation Bill, said his ministry had currently awarded 1,642 highway contracts for 1,632 projects at a total sum of N10.395tn.

    Fashola, while appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Works in Abuja yesterday, with the lawmakers asking him to “take a bow and go” after his presentation, stated, “The main challenge to highways development in the country remains inadequate funding. As at date, the government is committed to highway contractors to the tune of about N10.4tn, while a total of about N765bn are unpaid certificates for executed works.

    “Secondly, the shortage of younger engineers/technical officers in the ministry as a result of embargo on employment is affecting proficient project supervision at the sites. It is expected that more sources of funding of highway projects be explored as well as lifting the embargo on employment of needed engineers/technical officers at middle level to enhance supervision of projects.”

    Reading from his written presentation to the committee, the minister noted that the regime had built roads with a cumulative distance of about 8,000 kilometres out of the about 13,000 kilometres under (re)construction.

    He stated that the ministry had documented creation of 339,955 jobs across road projects, saying, “These are the human activities behind the kilometres (of road constructed).”

    He further said that some of the jobs were created through lane marking covering 1,663,954 linear meters, “which was not visible on our roads before but you can now see them beginning to emerge.”

    The minister also noted that 250,583 road signs were missing on the roads as of 2015.

    According to Fashola, the construction companies had used 1,002,960,851 litres of diesel for various projects.

    “Construction companies don’t buy diesel; they buy from the market. All of these suppliers are small businesses who benefit from and are impacted by what we do.”

    The minister also said the contractors had used 1.6 million tonnes of cement, adding that, “These are activities going on, impacting people beyond what we do here.”

    He stressed that 512,000 tonnes of reinforcement, 3,371,000 tonnes of bitumen, among other materials, had been used for the projects.

    Fashola further said, “It is to be noted that as at October, 2022, the ministry had a cumulative unpaid certificates in the sum of N765.017bn for ongoing highway and bridge projects. Apart from the pressure of resources to pay, there is the inadequacy of annual budget provisions where N100m or N200m was provided for roads costing N20bn or more.

    “In spite of all odds, 20 major highway projects have so far been completed in 2022 and are ready for commissioning. The total cost of the completed projects is in the sum of N444.322,123,808.61 and they cover a total length of 379.677km. Additionally, there are 59 major highways/bridges priority projects that are at advanced level, to be completed within 2022-2023, with a total contract sum of N60,961,187,130.71.”

    Fashola also noted that the ministry had initiated an intensive bridge maintenance programme to ensure serviceability of the major assets, adding that bridges were critical structures that guaranteed connectivity across the federal road network.

    “Some bridges have never been maintained since they were constructed over 40 years ago. Furthermore, illegal commercial (human) activities, which are detrimental to these national assets, contributed to their deterioration,” he stressed.

  • Nyesom Wike’s outstanding pathway – By Carl Umegboro

    Nyesom Wike’s outstanding pathway – By Carl Umegboro

    By Carl Umegboro

    Recently, I bashed the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike over his vacation abroad in company of his Abia state counterpart, Okezie Ikpeazu. Abia governor is always seen flexing overseas with Wike, meanwhile, Abia state is neither here nor there, nothing meaningful in terms of infrastructural development or economic policies since 1999. In the same piece, I zeroed in on President Muhammadu Buhari’s endless foreign medical trips when masses battle in dilapidated health centres in the country. On the other hand, I gave accolades to the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo for his leg surgery in a clinic in the country when he could fly out and undergo the medical treatment like other politicians both those serving and previously in power.

    I believe Osinbajo’s reason is that by the concept of governance, leaders and the led should equally utilize amenities on ground except in exceptional cases, perhaps where medically-recommended. Ideally, public officeholders must exhibit stewardship and not to arrogantly impoverish the people the most. Leadership simply means the act of leading a group of people or organization. So, while Wike’s fun overseas while masses face the worst period of their lives is reprehensible as a political leader, the other side of the governor must be credited.

    From records, Wike has continued to show leadership capacity in his state which must be underlined. The people can factually explain what dividends of democracy connotes seeing that the face of the state changes progressively. In fact, anyone that has not visited Rivers in the past one year must ask questions, else will find it difficult to identify some common areas. This is what the dividends of democracy which politicians every now and then sing as mantra during campaigns connotes, but after their inauguration in offices, they change.  Thus, Wike is a go-getter. Some critics may counter this position on account that Rivers is an oil-rich state. Of course, I concur. However, what happened during the administrations of his predecessors? Rivers State didn’t just become an oil-rich state.

    From the inception of Wike’s administration, the state has not witnessed any dull moment in terms of infrastructural developments. It has been from one phase of multiple projects to another. If it is not inaugurating new projects, it will be commissioning of the projects as scheduled. In efforts to decongest the severe road traffic in the state, the administration put a target total of 12 flyovers with 10 of them successfully constructed and commissioned, not on paper. The remaining two are already in progress with a visible fortitude. The NTA Road to Rumuola flyover presently, is facing major demolitions for road expansion to accommodate the two remaining flyovers.

    Apart from flyovers, Wike administration has constructed a topnotch Judges’ Quarters; a campus of the Nigerian Law School known as Dr. Nabo Graham-Douglas Campus; a staff-quarters for the Rivers State University in Emohua which was commissioned recently as well as many roads and other people-oriented facilities to his credit. Obviously, Wike has turned the state around positively. Uniquely, the governor always brings his fellow public officeholders irrespective of political party to either flag-off or commission the projects when completed. That is a positive idea for sober reflections.

    Arguably, Wike may be a ‘careless-talker’ as many people categorize him but then, his visionary, purposeful leadership speaks volume, and will always defend him. He talks the talk and also walks the walk. The people-oriented projects to his credit for the public will put his name in the archive. These are what matters the most and the impacts expected from any responsive and responsible democratic government. Thus, the people of the state have every reason to revel over a purposeful, impactful and resourceful leadership.

    Obviously, Wike deserves a distinction. Unfortunately, the basic education section may not have benefited greatly. Instructively, any government without robust policies to guarantee ‘quality’ child education cannot be adjudged a pathfinder or earn more than a pass mark. The reason is that investing in children is an essential venture for a good future of the society at large. This accounts why the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) fights tooth and nail to instill ‘proper child education’ and others.

    One may contend that Rivers State is buoyant but the critics should compare Wike’s visible accomplishments with Lagos, a state overwhelmingly developed long ago with numerous federal-funded facilities, that benefitted as a former federal capital of the country alongside huge investments from the private sector following the status which has great economic implications. If all those benefits are excepted from Lagos as well as the huge revenue that accrue from the status, then, there will be a balanced comparison. It is on account of its status as formerly a federal capital territory with massive federal edifices and private sector activities that many people describe Lagos state as a no-man’s land. Abuja and Lagos state fall into the same category having benefitted immeasurably from national coffers.

    The internal generated revenues from land documentations, tenement rates, others in Ikoyi, Lagos, Victoria Island alongside Eti-Osa areas alone are robust enough for any meaningful administration to stimulate its economy and make Lagos compete with Dubai and other major cities of the world. What the state needs is a prudent, visionary and self-governing administrator with capacity to bring in robust policies who can brazenly block the sundry man-made leakages. Babatunde Fashola during his tenure as governor of Lagos excellently demonstrated visionary leadership. Fashola perceptively understood it by his slogan, ‘Eko ni baje’ which translates as ‘Lagos will not spoil’ considering that Lagos has already been developed, but needs sustainability thus, he worked resolutely to progressively sustain the development.

    In account of massive investments from public and private sectors in Lagos, the state is yet to move into its rightful position in the economic circles. The huge investments worth trillions of naira from the sectors with head offices and major branches leading to abundance of capital and human resources followed on account of its position which is akin to the present federal capital territory.

    Arguably, as chief port and federal capital from 1914 until 1991, Lagos is yet to meet its expected position leveraging on great opportunities from federal investments and as a hub of the private sector to operate in full capacity. It will therefore be absurd comparing Lagos with other states that are struggling on their own to put in place good facilities on ground. Anyone seeking for credits from its development should look for other neighbouring states to resuscitate.

  • Anambra gov, Soludo reacts to budget padding allegation

    Anambra gov, Soludo reacts to budget padding allegation

    Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo has dismissed allegations of budget padding for some projects by margins as wide as 300 percent in some ministries

    This is contained in a statement by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Thursday.

    Reacting to an article titled, ” Budget padding scandal hits Anambra State Government”, Soludo said ”criminals” of different types displaced by his government were fighting back with propaganda.

    ‘For clarity, it is important we state that we are not oblivious of the diversionary antics of those whose lucrative criminal enterprise is being smoked out by the renewed fight against all forms criminality in the State, housed in various camps and bushes perpetrating heinous crimes.

    ”Anambra no longer has free money to feed the greed of those whose source of livelihood is government money and patronage as a result of free oil money which sadly stopped while assuring that there will be value for every penny spent.

    ”The claims that the commissioner for works refused to appear before the House of Assembly to defend his ministry’s budget on June 29 is false.

    ”We owe it as a duty to Anambra to ensure that every penny of our borrowed funds is accounted for, and deployed to building quality infrastructure, and not for consumption.

    ”On the cost of the road per kilometer, it is funny that the unknown writer is using propaganda and deceit to hoodwink the unsuspecting public.

    “How do you start talking about the cost of contracts for roads currently being designed and contracts not awarded, of course people always judge others by their own standards,” he stated.

    Soludo went further to provide cost trend of road projects executed in the state which he said ranged from above N200 million to as much as N1 billion per kilometer in 2018 when diesel was N120 per litre and a tonne of asphalt, N18,000

    He said though the cost of diesel and asphalt had risen to N850 per litre and N65,000 per tonne in 2022, his administration would deliver quality and durable roads at the cheapest possible price.

    The governor said the roads under design were planned to last for at least 15 years under heavy axial loads.

    “It is important that we place it on record for the purposes of our employers and to whom we are accountable, that the previous administrations awarded roads with the cost per kilometer varying from above N1 billion to a little over N200 million.

    “It is also on record that none of our predecessors awarded any road for less than N200 million per km.

    “Of course, one can even get a road for less than N1 million by spreading sand and lean asphalt on it to be washed away within one rainy season.

    “The losers of the new order will continue to try desperate acts to fight back but we remain focused, during the dry season, Anambra will see the mass action on their roads and Anambra will continue to win,” he stated.

  • Why we prioritise infrastructure development – Buhari

    Why we prioritise infrastructure development – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration has embarked on prioritising the construction of projects to ameliorate hardship across the country.

    The President said this on Tuesday at the State House when he hosted a delegation from Kaduna State led by the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Bamalli, and Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe.

    He said that the intervention on the Lagos-Ibadan route with completion of road and rail lines had improved the traffic significantly.

    “My objective was very clear, despite the dwindling resources, I wanted to deal with infrastructure across the country.

    “We should look at advancement in terms of infrastructure. No country can advance without infrastructure. There used to be railways, especially people from Southern Kaduna will remember this.

    “Which country can really advance without road, rail and power that’s why I wanted to sort out infrastructure.

    “I know that Nigerians are competitive by nature and they will face their businesses when there is road, rail and power,’’ he said.

    Buhari said the challenge of commuting in the South West had been improved with the rehabilitation of the transport infrastructure.

    “The people from South West can tell better because between Lagos and Ibadan by now, if we hadn’t done what we did, people would have been trekking.

    “This is because the road was not there, the rail was not there and there was so much insecurity.

    “But we thank the international community. We thank China and Chinese investors who came along to support the Lagos-Ibadan transport projects,’’ he said.

    Buhari assured that the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure which include the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano express road, being handled by Julius Berger would be sustained.

    The president commended Gov. Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, for the transformation of the state, with growing infrastructure and socio-economic projects.

    “Please extend my gratitude to the governor for doing so well. I have been living in Kaduna for many years before I came here.

    “But, now I will need a modern compass to go around because of the transformation,’’ he said.

    In her remarks, the Balarabe thanked the president for his working visit to the state, where he inaugurated projects in Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria.

    She said the Urban Renewal Programme in the state would be sustained and spread across the state for more impact on the lives of the people.

    The Emir of Zazzau also thanked the president for the visit, saying its in January and support to the Government, a the saying that its memory would be long cherished by all Kaduna State citizens.