The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is deliberately investing in infrastructure and human capital development as part of efforts to transform Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy.
Yilwatda made the remarks while receiving the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, led by its Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Audu, at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman said the Federal Government’s investments in roads, bridges, railways, deep seaports, education and other critical infrastructure were designed to increase productivity, attract investment, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Yilwatda said the administration recognised that sustained economic development depended on efficient infrastructure capable of connecting people, businesses, markets and productive centres.
“These are not isolated infrastructure projects. They are part of a larger economic strategy. We are building the infrastructure that will support the one-trillion-dollar economy that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set as a target for Nigeria,” he said.
The APC chairman listed five major deep-sea ports being developed or planned across the country as the Badagry Deep Sea Port in Lagos, Olokola Deep Sea Port along the Ondo-Ogun coastal axis, Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom, Bakassi Deep Sea Port in Cross River and Bonny Deep Sea Port in Rivers State.
He said the Federal Government was also developing coastal highways and other road networks to connect the ports and improve the movement of goods and people.
“We are building seven coastal roads to connect the five deep seaports. The government is deliberate about this. We want to ensure that our transportation infrastructure supports trade, investment and economic activities across the country,” Yilwatda added.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of the railway project connecting Nigeria with Maradi in Niger Republic, saying it would strengthen regional trade and improve Nigeria’s position as a logistics hub.
According to him, Maradi is a major commercial centre with strong economic ties to northern Nigeria, while the rail connection would provide Niger Republic with more efficient access to Nigerian seaports.
Yilwatda disclosed that 81 road projects were being executed in the North-Central region, while more than 260 federal road and bridge projects were ongoing across the six geopolitical zones.
He added that 27 major road projects valued at about N3.9 trillion had recently been approved across 15 states.
“Our objective is to improve connectivity across the country so that Nigerians can travel from one part of the country to another within a reasonable period. Better roads mean better commerce, easier access to markets, improved access to healthcare and education, and greater opportunities for investment,” he said.
On the administration’s tax reforms, Yilwatda said the changes were intended to promote fairness by ensuring that lower-income earners pay less while individuals and businesses with greater earning capacity contribute proportionately more.
He also said the foreign exchange reforms had improved market management and were aimed at reducing distortions associated with the parallel market.
The APC chairman said Nigeria’s economic indicators were showing positive signs, citing GDP growth of about four per cent and increased investor confidence.
He also referenced investment commitments, including a reported $20 billion investment by Shell, which he said would generate employment and stimulate economic activities across various sectors.
Yilwatda said infrastructure development was being complemented by investments in human capital, particularly in education and healthcare.
He commended the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, for its contribution to producing skilled manpower for the health sector, describing the institution as an important investment in Nigeria’s future.
He also said affordable university education remained important to the country’s development, noting that Nigerian-trained professionals were making significant contributions both within the country and internationally.
Yilwatda further disclosed that he had recently engaged World Bank officials on Nigeria’s healthcare system and used the opportunity to highlight the country’s relatively affordable university education.
He welcomed measures by the Federal Government to improve the welfare of university lecturers, saying better remuneration and working conditions would strengthen the education sector and reduce industrial disputes.
He also commended the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for his efforts in the sector.
Earlier, Audu thanked Yilwatda for receiving the governing council and appealed for his assistance in facilitating meetings with President Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The Vice Chancellor said such engagements would allow the university to present its development plans and seek federal support for critical infrastructure projects.
Yilwatda assured the delegation that the request would receive appropriate attention, adding that the development of institutions such as the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, aligned with the administration’s broader human capital development agenda.
