The Minister of Transportation, Engineer Mua’azu Jaji Sambo, will alongside others from various ministries, and selected members from the private sector are to drive the federal government National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan aimed at taking stock of the country’s existing infrastructure and specifically sets out the goal of raising Nigeria’s infrastructure stock to at least 70 percent by the year 2043.
The federal government said the collaborations with the private sector for the USD$2.3 trillion estimated resource requirement will not only ensure effective coordination of the infrastructure development across the nation, and all sectors of the economy, but will also help bridge the nation’s infrastructural gaps.
Speaking at a virtual meeting where he formally inaugurated the National Council on Infrastructure, Vice President, Professor Yomi Osinbajo stated that that the Buhari administration’s National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan was developed to provide “an integrated view of infrastructure development in Nigeria with clear linkages across key sectors and identifies enablers for successful implementation in line with the current economic realities.”
Prof. Osinbajo added that the Council “is to provide policy direction on infrastructure matters and drive the creation and sustenance of the expected synergy and linkages between the public and the private sector to enhance the implementation of the Infrastructure Master Plan, while the Technical Working Group is to provide guidance to the Council and advise on all infrastructure related matters.”
Continuing, the VP said, “Rail sector investments include the Lagos Kano standard gauge lines, the Warri-Itakpe rail, In the Energy sector, this Administration has green lit NLNG Train 7, invested in the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline and is on track to complete an incremental 4,000MW of generating assets (such as Zungeru Hydro and Kashimbilla Hydro) to complement systemic reforms and investments in the Distribution and Transmission segments of the electricity value chain.”
In his remarks, the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, thanked the Vice President for his leadership and selfless service to the nation.
Private sector members of the new Council include the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Engr. Mansur Ahmed; and a representative of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Tasiu Wudil.
