Vice-President Kashim Shettima has stated that President Bola Tinubu's infrastructure investments aim to transform Nigeria's economic corridors into major growth centres. Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Shettima highlighted the importance of these projects in strengthening regional trade and reducing transportation costs. He cited several major projects, including the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway, which will improve connectivity between the North-Central and North-East regions.
The Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway is expected to link agricultural and industrial centres to markets, facilitating the movement of goods and creating employment opportunities. This project, along with the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, reflects the administration's commitment to addressing Nigeria's infrastructure deficit. According to Shettima, improved road networks will reduce the cost of doing business and enhance the country's economic competitiveness.
Shettima defended the administration's economic reforms, stating that they have strengthened public finances, improved revenue generation, and restored investor confidence. Although he acknowledged the hardship associated with the reforms, he maintained that the country is beginning to overcome its economic challenges. The Vice President expressed confidence that the ongoing infrastructure projects will yield positive results and improve the overall well-being of Nigerians.
In the education sector, Shettima disclosed that Nasarawa students are benefiting from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He also announced that President Tinubu had approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology. This development is expected to enhance the state's educational infrastructure and provide more opportunities for students.
Shettima also highlighted the commissioning of the Diamond New Energy Lithium Processing Plant as part of efforts to promote local mineral processing, create jobs, and reduce the export of raw materials. This project is expected to contribute to the growth of the mining sector and increase the country's revenue. The Vice President commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for his investments in roads, education, healthcare, and other infrastructure in Nasarawa State.
The APC presidential campaign rally in Lafia was attended by several high-profile figures, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma. They canvassed support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in the forthcoming elections. The APC governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, Senator Ahmed Wadada, also defended the administration's economic reforms, citing ongoing infrastructure projects and growth in the capital market as evidence of progress.
Earlier, Shettima visited the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (rtd), where he conveyed President Tinubu's greetings and commended the monarch for promoting peace and unity in the state. The Emir wished President Tinubu success in the forthcoming elections and praised Shettima for his loyalty and contributions to national development. The Vice President urged supporters to reject violence during the electoral process and called for peaceful political participation.
Key points
- Tinubu's infrastructure investments aim to transform Nigeria's economic corridors into major growth centres.
- The administration's economic reforms have strengthened public finances, improved revenue generation, and restored investor confidence.
- Several major infrastructure projects, including the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway, are underway to address Nigeria's infrastructure deficit.
