Nigeria needs $3 trn to close infrastructure gap in 30 years- Tajudeen

October 22, 2024October 22, 2024

By Daniel Tyokua

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen has said Nigeria needs to invest about $3 trillion over the next 30 years to close the infrastructure gap and achieve the level of development required for sustained economic growth.

He said road network, power supply, housing, healthcare, and education sectors are some of the areas in urgent need of attention.

Tajudeen stated this during the flag off ceremony for the construction of access road from Ring road 1 by N16 to judges’ quarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

The speaker explained that Abuja infrastructure deficit was more glaring as the city’s population continues to grow at an annual rate of 5%.

Tajudeen represented by the deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu, said under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, there have been commendable initiatives aimed at addressing the infrastructure deficit.

He said the administration has launched the National Infrastructure Plan, focusing on road construction, rail expansion, power generation, and housing development. One notable project is the revival of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge, which have been completed and are now boosting trade and connectivity across regions.

According to him, in Abuja, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike has hit the ground running, initiating projects that address the critical needs of the growing city.

He said from road construction to urban renewal programmes, Wike’s dedication to enhancing the infrastructure of the FCT is an evident.

“We have witnessed several flag-offs, not just as ceremonial acts, but as milestones in the commitment to make Abuja a world-class city.

“The ongoing rehabilitation of major roads, the clearing of illegal structures, and the focus on environmental sustainability are all testaments to the Honourable Minister’s vision of an Abuja that is not only beautiful but functional and efficient” Tajudeen said.