President Bola Tinubu has said his administration’s economic reforms are delivering tangible results, boosting federal allocations to states and enabling sub-national governments to pay workers’ salaries, settle gratuities and undertake development projects without relying on loans.
The President stated this at the flag-off of the Babban-Lamba–Sharam Phase II road rehabilitation project in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State. He was represented at the event by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Tinubu said key economic indicators, including Gross Domestic Product (GDP), foreign reserves and other macroeconomic indices, have improved under his administration, reflecting what he described as a strengthening national economy.
“Our economic reforms are improving governance because all the economic indicators are pointing in a positive direction, from our GDP to our foreign reserves and other economic indices. Nigeria has turned from amber to green. These are positive signs for our economy. Today, more revenues are coming to the states. No state receives less than three to four times what it used to receive,” the President said.
He added, “State revenues have increased, and states can now afford to execute projects without collecting loans or issuing bonds. Before we came into office, over 30 states were owing salaries. Today, no state is owing salaries because the improved revenue allows them to pay salaries, gratuities and also embark on developmental projects.”
Tinubu described the Babban-Lamba–Sharam Phase II Road as a strategic federal highway that will connect Plateau State with Nasarawa, Kaduna, Gombe and Adamawa states, saying the project would stimulate trade between the North-Central and North-East, reduce travel distance by more than 100 kilometres and promote inclusive economic growth.
According to him, the project is part of his administration’s legacy infrastructure programme aimed at improving connectivity, opening up economic opportunities and strengthening security across the country.
The President disclosed that the federal government is currently executing 61 road projects across the North-Central geopolitical zone, comprising five completed projects, 25 major road projects under construction and 31 emergency intervention projects.
He also highlighted other flagship infrastructure initiatives being undertaken by his administration, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Badagry-Sokoto Super Highway and the Calabar-Abuja transport corridor.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced that the earlier contract covering the first 6.15 kilometres of the Babban-Lamba–Sharam Road had been terminated due to poor performance by the contractor.
Umahi said the remaining 40-kilometre stretch would now be reconstructed using continuous reinforced concrete pavement, which he described as President Tinubu’s legacy road standard.
He added that the road would be equipped with solar-powered streetlights, security cameras, observation stations and landscaping through tree planting.
“I was not satisfied with the quality of work and the delay. In line with the provisions of the contract, we terminated that section and commenced a new phase that will be delivered using reinforced concrete pavement for the benefit of future generations,” Umahi said.
Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang, commended President Tinubu for reviving the project, noting that although it was first awarded on April 26, 2018, it had remained largely dormant until the current administration intervened.
He described the project as a major economic boost for Plateau State and neighbouring states and appealed to the Federal Government to also prioritise the rehabilitation of the Jos-Mangu-Kanke-Shendam-Ibi Road linking Plateau and Taraba states.
Also speaking, the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, praised the President’s commitment to infrastructure development, saying the road would enhance agricultural production, facilitate commerce and strengthen regional integration.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration’s economic reforms, expressing confidence that the policies would deliver sustained growth and development.
When completed, the Babban-Lamba–Sharam Phase II Road is expected to improve connectivity, ease the movement of goods and agricultural produce, reduce travel time and accelerate socio-economic development across the North-Central and North-East regions.
