The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has called for the support of the Federation of Construction Industry in Nigeria (FOCI) in order to achieve his administration’s target of developing the country’s infrastructure if elected as president in the 2023 general election.

Tinubu made the call during his consultative session with FOCI at Wells Carlton Hotels in Abuja on Thursday.

The APC flag-bearer said he would further the developmental feats achieved by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in the sector, noting: “God willing, as we assume the mantle of leadership, we shall build an even more prosperous economy.

“This means additional investment in relevant infrastructure: roads, bridges, rail, airports, schools, power facilities, hospitals, and more. These will enhance efficiency, support industrial growth, spur trade and investment, and improve the Ease of Doing Business.

“My commitment to increase annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth will heavily depend on the quality of the infrastructure we shall build to facilitate and sustain growth in all facets of our national life.”

Tinubu said his administration would focus on transportation infrastructure, building more roads, rails and improving water transport for easier movement of humans and goods.

“Overall, the transportation sector is valued at N37 trillion. Transport activities contributed 1.84% to real GDP in Q2 2022. Sustaining the political will and technical capacity to move people and goods in a safe, affordable, and accessible manner will create a better future for Nigerians.

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“We will, therefore, work hard to improve our various transportation systems and, in the process, unlock the value chain of opportunities therein,” he added.

The former Lagos State Governor said his administration would continue the rehabilitation and expansion of existing federal roads and expressways, accelerate construction of new roads as well as the rehabilitation of existing ones through already established funding mechanisms, including accessing capital markets.

Fielding questions from members of the association, Tinubu promised to consider the Construction Bank proposed by one of them but added the problem of the industry is the paucity of long-term funding instruments.

On insecurity, Tinubu said he would confront the problem from all areas including introducing technology, recruiting more personnel into the army and police, and engaging in training and re-training of personnel.

“If there are employment opportunities, good education and other opportunities for advancement, security would improve,” he added.

On rail infrastructure, Tinubu said: “My government will enhance the use of our railways to reduce the cost of moving goods and services across the nation. We will sustain the investments already made by the Buhari administration and deepen ongoing reforms in the sector.

“Apart from its cost-effectiveness, enhanced rail use will reduce strain and congestion on our roads and expressways thereby significantly lowering the number of vehicular accidents. My administration will also encourage state governments to build public transportation or metro systems in their capital cities.

“The metros will link with existing national rail lines and revolutionise urban transport in Nigeria. This will boost commerce and contribute significantly to GDP growth.”

The APC presidential candidate added that this involves promoting greater private sector inclusion and working with the National Assembly to review the organisation, structure, and operations of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

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Tinubu further stated that his administration would prioritise the completion of critical ongoing national railway projects such as Lagos-Kano, Benin-Abakaliki, Port Harcourt-Maiduguri, Lagos-Calabar, and Kano-Maradi.

“In addition, we shall deploy technology and security assets to protect travellers and ensure the safety and integrity of our railway infrastructure,” he added.

Tinubu also promised that his administration will help decongest Apapa Port by modernising other existing ports, saying: “I commit to realising the immense opportunities inherent in the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the first new Sea Port in decades, which is more than 90 per cent completed.”

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, noted that infrastructure is the backbone of a nation’s economy, adding that Tinubu, if elected as president, would continue with the infrastructure rebuilding started by President Buhari.

On his part, the President and Chairman of FOCI, Vincent Barrah, thanked Tinubu for honouring the invitation of the association to interact with him, saying his presence confirmed the high regard he has for its members and the importance of the role of the body in the scheme of things in the country.

He said the construction industry is the largest employer of Labour in Nigeria after the government.

Others at the event were the Minister of Sports and Youths Development, Sunday Dare; and legal luminary, Babatunde Ogala, SAN; among others.

The Star