…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned six new projects in various states across the country, just three days before the end of his administration.
These projects were virtually commissioned by President Buhari and are located in Kaduna, Kaduna, and Ebonyi states.
The Projects Commissioned
The projects commissioned include the New International Terminal at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, the 3000 Capacity Janguza Custodial Center in Kano, the Nigerian Navy Logistics College in Dawakin Tofa, Kano, and various projects at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, Kaduna.
Additionally, the commissioning also covered the 199km Ebonyi Ring Road Project and the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, which is owned by Ebonyi State.
Contract Awards Defended by Government
Amid criticism regarding recent contract awards and external borrowing, the Nigerian federal government has defended its actions.
Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, stated that contract awards will continue until midnight on May 28, the end of President Buhari’s tenure.
Justification for Continuing Contract Awards
Minister Fashola explained that the complexities of governance, particularly in infrastructure development and public debts, require ongoing contract awards.
He emphasized that borrowing or taxation is necessary to achieve infrastructural development.
The N90 billion upgrade of the 49km Akure/Ado-Ekiti highway, for instance, will be covered by the NNPC through the federal government’s tax credit policy.
Addressing Criticism
Fashola dismissed criticisms questioning the timing of contract awards so close to the end of the administration.
He considered such conversations to be juvenile and reminded the public that the administration’s term officially concludes at midnight on May 28.
The minister emphasized the importance of sustained efforts in infrastructure development, even during the transition period to a new administration.