By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Tinubu are already producing tangible benefits across the country, as he represented the President at the commissioning of major road infrastructure projects in Nasarawa State.
Yilwatda spoke during the commissioning of the Akwanga Underpass and road project, as well as the flag-off of Section I of the Akwanga–Kaduna–Jos segment of the 700-kilometre Akwanga–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway.
Describing the projects as landmark achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister said it was a privilege to stand in for President Tinubu at what he called a historic occasion.
According to him, the enthusiastic reception accorded to the Federal Government’s delegation by residents of Nasarawa State reflected the people’s confidence in the Tinubu administration and its commitment to delivering meaningful development.
“The massive turnout and warm reception from the people of Nasarawa State clearly demonstrated their overwhelming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and their appreciation of his commitment to their development,” he said.
Yilwatda conveyed the President’s appreciation to Nigerians for their patience and continued support, insisting that the administration’s reforms were beginning to translate into improved economic outcomes.
He noted that state governments now receive significantly higher allocations, enabling them to meet critical financial obligations, including the payment of workers’ salaries and retirees’ gratuities.
He recalled that in 2023, nearly 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states struggled to pay salaries and pensions but maintained that the situation had improved considerably due to the administration’s economic policies.
The minister said the increased revenues had also empowered states to invest in roads, bridges, schools, markets and other critical infrastructure aimed at stimulating economic growth and improving citizens’ welfare.
Highlighting President Tinubu’s development agenda, Yilwatda said the President had demonstrated through his tenure as Governor of Lagos State that bold reforms could transform economies.
He credited Tinubu with laying the foundation for Lagos’ economic expansion through land reclamation, tax administration reforms and strategic infrastructure investments, adding that the President was now replicating the same vision across Nigeria.
According to him, flagship projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Akwanga-Maiduguri Superhighway and the Trans-Sahara Trade Route represent the most ambitious road infrastructure programme in Nigeria’s history.
He added that the planned construction of five new seaports and ongoing expansion of the nation’s rail network, including the rail corridor linking Nigeria to Maradi in Niger Republic, would boost regional trade, reduce transportation costs, create employment opportunities and position Nigeria as the commercial hub of West Africa.
Yilwatda also commended the Governor of Nasarawa State for fostering peaceful coexistence among the state’s diverse ethnic groups, describing the atmosphere as conducive to development.
He further praised traditional rulers for their contributions to peacebuilding and community security, while calling on state governments to support the speedy passage and implementation of the proposed State Police Bill currently before the National Assembly.
According to him, strengthening state policing would complement broader efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
The minister reiterated that the Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to build a stronger, safer and more prosperous Nigeria, stressing that the ongoing infrastructure projects were more than road networks.
“They are pathways to economic prosperity, national unity and shared progress,” he said.
Yilwatda concluded by praying for President Tinubu’s good health, wisdom and longevity to enable him to consolidate what he described as the gains of his transformational leadership and continue delivering lasting development for Nigerians.
