Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, has stated that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) is committed to tackling infrastructural gaps throughout the country.
Prince Agba said this on Monday in Abuja, when he inaugurated the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the National Council on infrastructure under the leadership of Mr. Nebeolisa Anako, Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning.
Agba stated that the President had demonstrated dedication by securing a 30% yearly growth in budgetary expenditures to capital projects, and that the National Infrastructure stock had expanded from 25% in 2014 to at least 35% in 2020.
He noted that the event marked a new milestone in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to addressing the country’s infrastructure needs, given the crucial role that TWG will play in the implementation of the revised National Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP).
Agba recalled that the Federal Government developed the NIIMP (2014-2043) in 2014 as a government blueprint for building world- class infrastructure required to grow the economy, improve the quality of life of its citizens, create jobs, and boost the nation’s global competitiveness.
The Minister also reported that public investments in both essential and non-essential infrastructure had increased dramatically.
The current administration has privatized public investments in infrastructure for roads, railroads, aviation, information and communications technology, housing, and regional development.
He stated, however, that the need for the government to do more necessitated the establishment of the National Council on Infrastructure and its Technical Working Group, whose purpose is to bring together Ministries, Departments, and Agencies as well as Private Sector Organizations.
This, he emphasized, was to expedite the delivery of priority projects and programs in accordance with key national government policies.
The minister emphasized that the Technical Working Group (TWG) had been established as a working arm to guide and advise the council on all infrastructure-related matters, while enumerating the Council’s terms of reference, which included, among others, providing policy direction on infrastructure and fostering the expected synergy between the public and private sectors.
Imaobong Udoh
for: D(Information) (Information)
BNP