Infrastructure gateway to sustainable development -Fashola

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola has reiterated President Buhari’s commitment to renew and expand the Nigerian economy through the provision of critical infrastructure, which is the gateway to a sustainable economy and development across the globe.
Fashola made the disclosure when he received members of Federation of Construction Industry in Nigeria (FOCI) who paid him a courtesy call in his Office today.
The Minister emphasized that all gratitude should go to President Buhari who merged the three ministries namely; Power, Works and Housing so as to create rapid development in infrastructural growth of the nation as well as maximum impact on the economy.
He explained that the Ministry is almost completing 34 pilot National Housing programme in the States that have provided land for the take-off of the programme, adding that rehabilitation and reconstruction of Federal Secretariats are also going on in Bayelsa, Anambra, Zamfara and Nasarawa States.
He said that President Buhari’s led Administration is rebuilding and expanding the Nigeria economy policy decision through building of infrastructure, adding that the Federal Government recognizes the efforts of the Association in helping to galvanized the quarry and mining industry due to the volume of construction going on in the built environment and the road sector.
He said “’When I first met you, there were complains of non- payment for three to four years before the coming of this Administration. But I can confidently say there is not one year since the beginning of this Administration that contractors have not been paid, the money move round the economy.”
This was contained in a statement signed by Folasade Fatoke Assistant Chief Information Officer For: Director, Information said Fashola also explained that Executive Order 5 seeks to achieve local participation for Nigerians and Nigerian companies, stressing that the Ministry is already compiling list of Nigerians working on sites, arguing that government is set to protect its citizens as is a global practice.
He further explained that the latest Executive Order 7 signed by the President is a driver to Industrialization, adding that this will expand construction work and manufacturing jobs that will evidently create more jobs and improve the economy.
The Minister noted that the essence of these Executive Orders is government’s commitment to create next level jobs, employment, infrastructure and manufacturing.
Earlier, the Director General of the association and leader of the delegation, Engr. Mrs Olubunmi Adekoje appreciate the Ministry for the support given to the Association and timely intervention in the area of finance to boost the activities of the industry.
In attendance was the Permanent Secretary of Power, Works and Housing, (Work and Housing) Muhammed Bukar and Directors from the Ministry.