We’ll address infrastructural deficit, stops rice importation- Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that the 2018 is pivotal to country’s quest for change, stressing that no act of unpatriotism will divert his administration from the course “we have set ourselves.”

Buhari, who stated this today during his 2018 New Year nationwide broadcast to the nation, also disclosed that the federal government would address infrastructural deficit in the country and stop rice importation this year.

The President maintained that the watchword and policy thrust of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is change mantra, saying that his address is devoted mainly to inform about the intense efforts his administration was putting in place to address the nation’s huge infrastructural deficit.

But he warned that “We must change our way of doing things or we will stagnate and be left behind in the race to lift our people out of poverty and into prosperity.”

He also outlined some major achievements recorded by his administration and those that would be accomplished between 2018 to 2019.

The President said he was saddened that during the Yuletide, instead of showing love, companionship and charity, some compatriots chose this period to inflict severe hardship Nigerians by creating unnecessary fuel scarcity across the country.

Buhari said, “The consequence was that not many could travel and the few who did had to pay exorbitant transport fares. I am determined to get to the root of this collective blackmail of all Nigerians and ensure that whichever groups are behind this manipulated hardship will be prevented from doing so again.”

He said that the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing is one of the drivers of Federal Government’s commitment to renew and increase Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure in order to achieve global economic competitiveness as targeted under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

On Railways, the President said that his Government has set ambitious targets, disclosing that construction stage is being put in place at the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway.

Though the President spoke about Boko Haram, he failed to say a word on the incessant attacks on farmers and villagers by the Fulani herdsmen.

On the issue of functional railway in the country, Buhari said, “The line should reach Ibadan from Lagos by the end of 2019 and will carry two million passengers per year and five million tons of cargo will be transported every year giving a substantial boost to the country’s economy.

“Construction of the Kano – Kaduna segment is expected to commence this year and reach Kaduna by the end of 2019. By the end of 2021, the two ends will be joined so that we will have standard gauge railway across the main North-South trading route.

“The Abuja – Kaduna route will be boosted by additional rolling stock next Thursday and will be able to handle one million commuters annually.

“At the same time, I have approved and negotiations will be concluded in the first part of this year for the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri line covering Aba, Owerri, Umuahia, Enugu, Awka, Abakaliki, Makurdi, Lafia, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Yola and Damaturu. The Abuja to Itakpe line will go through Baro and terminate in Warri with construction of a new seaport at Warri.

“Negotiations are also advanced for the construction of other railway lines, firstly from Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic passing through Kazaure, Daura, Katsina, Jibia to Maradi.

“Secondly, Lagos to Calabar the “Coastal Rail” through Ore, Benin, Agbor, Asaba, Onitsha, Sapele, Ughelli, Warri, Yenagoa, Otuoke, Port Harcourt, Aba, Uyo and Calabar.

In the next few years, all these Nigerian cities will be linked by functional modern rail systems, giving enormous boost to the social and economic life of our people.

“With respect to the Abuja Capital Light Rail, progress has reached 98% completion, as at 64% completion when we assumed office. Only test runs remain before start of operations.

“This train service will stimulate economic activities in the Federal Capital and provide residents with an efficient and safe transportation system.

Twelve railway sub-stations around the capital over a 45.2 kilometre route will serve as a catalyst and a pull factor to the economy of the area.

The Light Rail System will reduce traffic congestion and carbon emission in line with the Administration’s policy on climate change.

Speaking on FERMA and roads construction, Buhari said, ” Management of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has been reconstituted and has been charged with a 12 week rapid intervention in road repairs to cover all the geo-political zones. Government is undertaking repairs and maintenance of 44 roads within the six geo-political zones.

“Twenty five major highways will be funded under the N100b SUKUK facility. Each geo-political zone will benefit by an equal amount of N16.67b.

The following major highways are to receive special attention: Oyo – Ogbomosho, Ofusu – Ore – Ajebandele – Shagamu, Yenagoa Road Junction – Kolo Otuoke – Bayelsa Palm, Enugu – Port Harcourt Dual Carriage Way, Onitsha – Enugu Expressway, Kaduna Eastern Bypass, Dualization of Kano – Maiduguri Road,Dualization of Abuja – Lokoja – Benin Road and Dualization of Suleja – Minna Road.

“In addition, Government has approved work to start on the re-construction of Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano road which is in a state of disrepair. Work will soon start and is expected to be completed in 2019.

On the issue of improved power supply, the President said, “More Nigerians across the country are experiencing improved power supply to their homes and businesses.

However, power remains a concern to this government because too many people still do not have regular and reliable supply.

“The Payment Assurance Guarantee Scheme which started in January 2016 has enabled the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader to raise so far N701 billion to assure Generation Companies of at least 80% payment for any power delivered to the national grid.

“Consequently, generation has now reached 7,000MW. On December 8, 2017 the country achieved 5,155MW of power delivered to consumers, the highest level ever recorded.

“Several moribund projects have been revived. Repairs of Afam Power Station added 110MW in 2017 and another 240MW will be added this year through a private investment partnership.

“Katsina Power Project is now being tested and producing 10MW of power from wind for the first time in Nigeria. It should be fully operational this year.

“The Zungeru 700MW Hydroelectric Power Project, stalled by court cases is due for completion in 2019. The transmission and other requirements to operate the 30MW Gurara Phase 1 Hydroelectric Plant, the 40MW Kashimbilla Hydroelectric Plant and the 215 MW Kaduna Gas/LPG/Diesel Power Plant will also be completed this year.

“A landmark project, Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project is at last taking off. This project has been on the drawing Board for 40 years, but now the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the 3,050MW project has been agreed with a Chinese joint venture Company with a financing commitment from the government of China. Completion is targeted for 2023.

“As I mentioned earlier, the Transmission Company of Nigeria can now distribute all the 7,000MW that can be generated. TCN and the Niger Delta Holding Company have added 1,950MVA of 330 down to 132KV transformer capacity of 10 transmission stations and 2,930MVA of 132 down to 33KV transformer capacity of 42 sub-stations including Ikot Ekpene, Aba, Alagbon, Ajah, Ejigbo, Funtua and Zaria.

“This Administration is working with the privatised distribution Companies to overcome the continuing challenges of distribution.

“These massive public works should spearhead the recovery and lead millions back to employment. You will recall that it was not until last year that we got out of the economic recession into which the country had fallen as a consequence of past unsustainable economic policies which projected short-term illusory growth. The government is slowly stabilizing the economy.

“It was in order to change the steady and steep decline that we adopted the more sustainable policies and programmes captured in the Economic Recovery Plan.

Diversification efforts have resulted in improved output particularly in agriculture and solid minerals sectors. The relative exchange rate stability has improved manufacturing sector performance.

“We have got to get used to discipline and direction in economic management. The days of business as usual are numbered.

On the issue of rice revolution in the country, Buhari said the federal government would put a stop to rice importation this year.

He said, ” Two years ago I appealed to people to go back to the land. I am highly gratified that agriculture has picked up, contributing to the government’s effort to re-structure the economy. Rice imports will stop this year. Local rice, fresher and more nutritious will be on our dishes from now on.

“By the same token, I am today appealing to enterprising Nigerians with ideas and unemployed graduates and other able-bodied and literate men and women with ideas not to just sit and wait for employment from the government or the Organized Private Sector.

Great nations are built by enterprising people who turn their hands to anything that circumstances dictate.

Commenting on political maters, the President said, “In respect of political developments, I have kept a close watch on the on-going debate about “Restructuring”.

No human law or edifice is perfect. Whatever structure we develop must periodically be perfected according to changing circumstances and the country’s socio-economic developments.

We Nigerians can be very impatient and want to improve our conditions faster than may be possible considering our resources and capabilities.

When all the aggregates of nationwide opinions are considered, my firm view is that our problems are more to do with process than structure.

“We tried the Parliamentary system: we jettisoned it. Now there are shrill cries for a return to the Parliamentary structure.

In older democracies these systems took centuries to evolve so we cannot expect a copied system to fit neatly our purposes. We must give a long period of trial and improvement before the system we have adopted is anywhere near fit for purpose.

“However, there is a strong case for a closer look at the cost of government and for the public services long used to extravagance, waste and corruption to change for the better.

I assure you that government is ever receptive to ideas which will improve governance and contribute to the country’s peace and stability.

“As the electioneering season approaches politicians must avoid exploiting ethnicity and religion by linking ethnicity with religion and religion with politics. Such must be avoided at all costs if we are to live in harmony.

“In this respect the rest of Nigeria could learn from the South Western States who have successfully internalized religion, ethnicity and politics.

“Political discourse should be conducted with civility, decorum and in a constitutional manner. We all have a collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and entrench the rule of law. We should draw encouragement from the series of bye-elections conducted by INEC last year which were generally violence free and their outcomes adjudged to be free and fair.

“Before I conclude my address, I must reassure my fellow citizens that security of life and property is still top of our government’s agenda.

We have since beaten Boko Haram. Isolated attacks still occur, but even the best-policed countries cannot prevent determined criminals from committing terrible acts of terror as we have seen during the past years in Europe, Asia, Middle East, elsewhere in Africa and in America.

“Our government remains determined to protect all Nigerians in line with our election pledge and promises. On behalf of all Nigerians let me offer our thanks to the Armed forces, the Police, other para-military forces and traditional authorities who are working round the clock to ensure that you and I go about our normal business in reasonable safety.”

President Buhari further noted that terrorism and urban crimes are world-wide phenomena, saying that Nigeria’s security forces were continuously adapting their responses to changing threats.

He said, “With regard to rampant cases of kidnappings, we are taking immediate short-term measures to combat this new evil creeping into our societies. Tighter police methods and swift and severe punishment for those proved to be engaged in kidnapping are on the way.

“With respect to Niger Delta, Government is still engaging responsible leadership of the Communities to help in identifying and addressing genuine grievances of the region. Our clean-up programme in collaboration with the United Nations is making satisfactory progress.”

The president expressed gratitude to all the Governors and other Political and Community leaders of the Niger Delta States for their part in bringing relative peace to the areas.

He concluded with a heartfelt gratitudes to all Nigerians who prayed for him during his illness last year, saying that , “I feel deeply humbled by your prayers and good wishes and I am more determined than ever to serve you to the best of my ability.”

Saraki, Dogara, govs optimistic of great Nigeria in 2018
…Urge Nigerians to pray for improved economy in New Year

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, State Governors: Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos) , Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) and David Umahi ( Ebonyi) have extended their heartfelt good wishes to Nigerians in the New Year, with a clarion call on them to pray for a full recovery of the economy in 2018.

In a New Year message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki said a strong economy would enable government to achieve physical development and improved standard of living of the people.

He added that God has blessed Nigeria with all the potential necessary for her to have a strong economy that would take care of its growing population but that it was unfortunate that there is still so much underdevelopment in the country.

He noted that most of the problems now threatening the unity, progress and peace of the country were rooted in the poor state of the economy and that there was need for the government and Nigerians to work together in Year 2018 to ensure the success of policies initiated to rebuild the economy, create employment, attract investment opportunities and make the nation self-sufficient.

He said that government alone cannot make the economy to work but that it requires the co-operation, prayers and change of attitude on the part of the people to develop the country and make 2018 a more fruitful and beneficial year for the citizenry.

“I wish all Nigerians overflowing happiness on this joyful occasion,” Saraki said. “The end of one year and the beginning of another is always a time that is full of hope. While 2017 was challenging for many Nigerians, we must look back on the year with the knowledge that better days are ahead.

“Although we still have so much to do to achieve our desired individual and national objectives, let us rise up with courage and determination to make the situation better”, he added.

Lauding the resilience of Nigerians in the face of national challenges and their avowed love for the unity and greater progress for the country, Saraki noted that every Nigerian deserve a better deal”, he stated.

Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, on Sunday, urged Nigerians to review and renew their resolve and commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria as a people of common destiny in the New Year.

The Speaker urged Nigerians to draw on the lessons learnt in the out gone year to strengthen the bonds of unity, solidarity and peace.

Dogara, who commended the resilience and determination of Nigerians in the midst of daunting challenges, expressed optimism that better days are ahead.

He said, “The New Year presents an opportunity for stock taking and a strong resolve to sustain the gains of Nigeria’s exit from economic recession. Improvement of Nigeria’s economy, security and welfare of Nigerians must remain our priority in the New year.”

He also urged Nigerians to continue to demonstrate love and exhibit compassion towards one another and extend hands of support to the less privileged and vulnerable members of the society.

Dogara said, “As a people, we must continue to imbibe the spirit of togetherness and love for one another. We must also support government at all levels by contributing our quota in the generation of wealth and alleviation of poverty in the land.

“Although, employment generation and wealth creation remain priorities of our APC-led administration in its change agenda, it is imperative for us to create more employment opportunities for our youths and women in order to underscore our drive for economic recovery and growth.

“We should also endeavour to attend to those needs that have direct bearing on the lives of the people and dire consequences on our nation, as democracy cannot succeed where poverty thrives,” he stated.

Speaking in the same vein, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday, expressed optimism that 2018 holds great promises for Lagos and Lagosians, assuring that the state will record landmark achievements in major sectors of the economy in the New Year.

Ambode, in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said that while the outgoing year witnessed a massive leap in terms of infrastructural development in the state, some of the reforms in key sectors of the economy will take full flight from the beginning of 2018.

‘We have good reason to be very optimistic about what 2018 holds in stock for our state and every Lagosian. The commencement and realisation of some of our reform programmes especially in the Public Transport, Environment, Tourism and Health sectors will transform the landscape of the State and improve the quality of lives of all Lagosians,” he added.

Governor Ambode said his administration will not rest on its oars, but will continue to up the ante on infrastructural renewal, noting that the 2018 Budget of N1.046trillion which is currently at the House of Assembly for approval will be dedicated majorly to completing some critical projects currently ongoing as well as commence some new ones.

Some of the key projects, the Governor listed includes the Oshodi Transport Interchange, reconstruction of the Oshodi International Airport Road, Pen Cinema Flyover, 181 Local Government Roads and other network of roads.

Ambode urged residents to continue to support his administration’s quest to transform the nook and crannies of the State for good by voluntarily paying their taxes as and when due.

He said, “The dream of a new Lagos which we all desire is unfolding and we all have a role to play in this project. Our government is open to new ideas and partnerships, and we will welcome suggestions for better ways to do things and improve on service delivery to the people.

We will continue to provide responsible and responsive leadership which is the hallmark of sustainable development in modern, functional and liveable cosmopolitan city like Lagos.

On his part, Oyo State Governor Ajimobi congratulated Nigerians, urging them to keep hope alive on the ability of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to take the economy through a remarkable turnaround.

Ajimobi in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, issued in Ibadan, on Sunday, admitted that the country went through a lot of social and economic challenges in 2017.

However, Ajimobi, assured that the novel programmes and policies of the Federal Government would bring the needed succour to the people in 2018.

While expressing appreciation to the people of Oyo State for their cooperation with, and support for his government, Ajimobi pledged that he would redouble his efforts to make life more meaningful to them in 2018.

He said that his administration would remain committed to the welfare and well-being of the people through the execution of projects that would have direct bearing on their lives.

The governor assured the civil servants, artisans, traders, professional bodies and other citizens of the state of a new lease of life in 2018, while promising that he would not neglect the ongoing efforts at ensuring safe, secure and decent environment.

Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal urged Nigerians to have positive attitude going into the New Year, saying every available indices indicate that the country is on the brink of greatness.

In a message issued by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said the prospect of a better nation will be realized if the people cooperate and work together for the betterment of the nation.

Tambuwal said, “2018 would be a year of great significance for Nigeria as such working together with a united purpose will guarantee success for our nation. This is imperative not just for our well-being, but for the benefit of the future generation of Nigerians.”

Tambuwal said in the coming year, he is confident that efforts put in place by his administration will continue to impact positively on the lives of the people of Sokoto State.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State promised to be more aggressive and more people centred in the pursuit of his policy of inclusiveness and shared prosperity in the New Year.

In a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, the governor while promising to rededicate himself to collective prosperity, thanked the people of the state for their faith and commitment to peace, growth and development of the state in the previous years.

Governor Ahmed admonished Kwarans against hate speeches that are capable of causing a breach of the existing peaceful and harmonious relationship among the good people of the state, urging them to have positive resolutions towards building a more economically stable country in the New Year.

Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi also urged Nigerians to diversify their sources of income by living beyond over dependence on oil.

Governor Umahi in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, said Nigeria has lost her major source of survival which was agriculture and had lived on a borrowed rope of petroleum over the years which he said was responsible for the economic crisis in the country.

He said part of his administration’s target for 2018 was to make agriculture the main stead in Ebonyi State, adding that with the world tilting towards electronic world, it would soon be impossible for anybody to buy oil.

Umahi, who prophesied that 2018 could be hard, also proffered solution on how to survive in the New Year which he said included hard work and dedication to service and urged Nigerians and people of Ebonyi State to show more commitment to their duties.

The Governor further called for prayers that will enthrone peace and unity among all ethnic nationalities and urged Nigerians to believe in their nation and work hard to ensure that there is peace in the country in the New Year.

Johnson Ayantunji, Lagos, Henry Omunu and Mathew Dadiya, Abuja , Charles Onyekwere,,Abakaliki and Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin.