By Suleiman Aremu | Solaremnews
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making deliberate investments in infrastructure and human capital development to position Nigeria for a one-trillion-dollar economy through sustainable economic growth, improved connectivity and enhanced productivity.
Yilwatda stated this while receiving the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, led by its Pro-Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Audu, at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. His remarks were contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki.
According to the APC National Chairman, the Federal Government’s ongoing investments in roads, bridges, rail transportation, deep seaports, education and other critical infrastructure are designed to close existing development gaps while creating the foundation for increased productivity, investment, job creation and national prosperity.
He explained that the Tinubu administration had adopted a strategic and deliberate approach to infrastructure development, stressing that no economy could achieve sustained growth without efficient transportation networks and other essential infrastructure connecting businesses, markets, industries and communities.
Yilwatda said the Federal Government was pursuing the development of five major deep seaports across the country, including the Badagry Deep Sea Port in Lagos State, Olokola Deep Sea Port along the Ondo-Ogun coastal corridor, Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State, Bakassi Deep Sea Port in Cross River State and Bonny Deep Sea Port in Rivers State.
Describing the projects as components of a broader economic agenda, he said they were aimed at supporting President Tinubu’s vision of transforming Nigeria into a one-trillion-dollar economy.
“These are not isolated infrastructure projects. They are part of a larger economic strategy. We are building the infrastructure that will support the one-trillion-dollar economy that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set as a target for Nigeria,” he said.
The APC chairman further disclosed that the government was constructing seven coastal highways to connect the proposed deep seaports and improve the movement of people, goods and services nationwide.
“We are building seven coastal roads to connect the five deep seaports. The government is deliberate about this. We want to ensure that our transportation infrastructure supports trade, investment and economic activities across the country,” he added.
Yilwatda also highlighted the strategic importance of the railway project linking Nigeria to Maradi in Niger Republic, describing it as a critical initiative for boosting regional trade and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness within West Africa.
According to him, the rail line will facilitate faster and more affordable transportation of goods and passengers while providing landlocked Niger Republic with easier access to Nigerian seaports, thereby increasing cargo traffic through the country’s maritime facilities.
Providing updates on ongoing infrastructure development, he revealed that there were 81 federal road projects currently underway in the North-Central zone, while more than 260 road and bridge projects were being executed across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
He also disclosed that the Federal Government recently approved 27 major road projects worth about ₦3.9 trillion across 15 states as part of efforts to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, facilitate commerce and stimulate investment.
“Our objective is to improve connectivity across the country so that Nigerians can travel from one part of the country to another within a reasonable period. Better roads mean better commerce, easier access to markets, improved access to healthcare and education, and greater opportunities for investment,” he said.
Speaking on the administration’s economic reforms, Yilwatda said the ongoing tax reforms were designed to promote fairness by reducing the tax burden on low-income earners while ensuring that higher-income individuals contribute proportionately more.
He added that the Federal Government’s foreign exchange reforms had improved market management and reduced distortions associated with the parallel foreign exchange market.
The APC National Chairman expressed optimism over Nigeria’s economic outlook, citing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of about four per cent and improving investor confidence.
He also referenced a reported 20 billion dollar investment commitment by Shell, saying the investment would create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities across several sectors of the economy.
Beyond infrastructure, Yilwatda stressed that the administration’s economic reforms were being complemented by significant investments in education and healthcare, describing human capital development as a critical pillar of sustainable national development.
He commended the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, for producing highly skilled health professionals, describing the institution as an important investment in Nigeria’s future.
The APC chairman noted that Nigeria’s relatively affordable university education had enabled the country to produce professionals making meaningful contributions both locally and internationally.
He also revealed that he recently engaged officials of the World Bank on Nigeria’s healthcare system, during which he highlighted the country’s comparatively affordable access to university education.
Yilwatda welcomed the Federal Government’s recent measures to improve the welfare of university lecturers, expressing confidence that better remuneration and improved conditions of service would strengthen the education sector and minimise industrial disputes.
He also commended the Minister of Education for driving reforms aimed at enhancing the country’s human capital development.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Professor Muhammad Audu, appreciated the APC National Chairman for receiving the Governing Council and appealed for his support in facilitating an audience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Audu said direct engagement with the President and the FCT Minister would enable the university to present its development plans and seek support for critical infrastructure projects necessary for its continued growth.
Responding, Yilwatda assured the delegation that their request would receive due consideration, noting that supporting institutions such as the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, aligns with the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening human capital development across the country.
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