President Muhammadu Buhari has told the Islamic Development Bank that Nigerians are seeing new developments across power, rail, road and aviation sectors.
The President disclosed this during his meeting with Mohammed Al-Jasser, the president of IDB at the sidelines of the Paris Peace Forum in France. This is according to the statement issued by his media aide, Femi Adesina.
Considering the vastness of the nation, the President said the country needs roads, rail, power, airports, housing, and that is what his administration has engaged with in the past six years as the people are seeing the new developments.
What the President is saying about infrastructure
Buhari said his administration remains committed to contributing significantly to infrastructural development in Nigeria.
He stated, “We are struggling very hard on infrastructure because there can’t be sustainable development without it.
“Considering the vastness of our country, we need roads, rail, power, airports, housing, and that is what we have engaged ourselves with in the past six years. And our people are seeing the new developments.
“Relative to the resources available to us, we have not done badly. When infrastructure is in place, our people can look after themselves.”
The president lauded the IDB for its support so far, but expressed concern about challenges in Nigeria, saying “what we are so dependent on (crude oil) has lost a lot of energy.”
“It is coming back gradually, and we are breathing a bit more with some confidence. But we expect greater cooperation from you,” he added.
IDB President responds
Al-Jasser said he was glad to see the level of collaboration between Nigeria and the IDB since he assumed office three months ago.
“I am impressed by your policies on infrastructure, which will give opportunities to youths, and encourage the private sector,” Al-Jasser told Buhari. “Nigeria is a pivotal country to us, and it deserves all the help it can get.”
The IDB boss said the main role of the bank is to promote development among its stakeholders, adding that the bank would continue to support Nigeria.
