By Ashemiriogwa Emmanuel
President Muhammadu Buhari has highlighted some of the critical projects under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) due for completion before the end of his administration in 2023.
He identified the ongoing Second Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano Expressway, and the East-West Road as some of the infrastructural projects to be delivered before vacating office in less than two years’ time.
Mr Buhari said this on Monday while speaking at the opening of a two-day Mid-Term Ministerial Performance Review Retreat held at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, reiterating the administration’s firm determination in achieving these within the set period.
“On transportation, we are growing the stock and quality of our road, rail, air, and water transport infrastructure,” he said.
According to him, ‘‘The PIDF projects are also advancing remarkably. These include the 11.9km Second Niger Bridge, 120 km Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, 375 km Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano Expressway, and the East-West Road.
“Most of these projects are expected to be completed within this 2nd term of our administration.”
He then urged ministers to work hand-in-hand with permanent secretaries to ensure accelerated and effective delivery of the programs and projects in their respective primary areas of focus.
The two-day retreat is organized with a focus on assessing the progress made by the Buhari-led administration in the last two years in line with the nine key agendas of his government which are:
Building a thriving and sustainable economy
Enhancing social inclusion and reduce poverty
Enlarging agricultural output for food security and export
Attaining energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products and expand transport and other infrastructural development
Expanding business growth, entrepreneurship, and industrialization
Expanding access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and productivity of Nigerians
Building a system to fight corruption
Improving governance and create social cohesion and improving security for all.
