By A’isha Biola Raji
The Department for International Development (DFID) has pledged to support Nigeria achieve success in the implementation of the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP).
the Head of Information Director General, DFID Country Programmes, Joy Hutcheon made this promise in Abuja yesterday when she led her team on a courtesy visit to the office of Minister of National Planning, Dr Abubakar Sulaiman.
According to a press statement signed by Salisu B. Haiba, Head of Communication of National Planning Commission (NPC), NIIMP is Nigeria’s 30 year blueprint to hasten infrastructure development in the country.
Hutcheon also pledged that the DFID will also partner with the Commission in monitoring all the projects embarked upon by the DFID in order to avoid duplication and also ensure that the programmes are in line with national priorities.
Reacting to the DFID’s request for the country’s priorities and plans for the forthcoming 2015 General elections, the NPC minister said that the country requires sensitization of the electorates, adding that, the Commission is also partnering with NGOs in terms of ensuring civility amongst voters.
While expressing confidence in the management of INEC to conduct credible elections in Nigeria, Dr Abubakar listed logistics, capacity building and technical enhancement as critical areas needing support.
He also stated that Nigerians should concern themselves about consolidating on the gains of being the largest economy in Africa and also not to promote elections hinged on religious sentiments.
‘’ We should concern ourselves on how to consolidate on the gains of being the largest economy in Africa, and not promote elections based on religious ground’’, he added.
