Infrastructure Must Drive Economic Inclusion – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has maintained that infrastructure development under his administration is designed to promote economic inclusion, empower small businesses and improve the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.

He stated this yesterday while commissioning the access roads, power and water supply to the Informal Sector Layout in Wasa District, Abuja.

Represented at the ceremony by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, the President said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian is excluded from the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the commissioning was another milestone in the Federal Government’s drive towards urban renewal, inclusive economic growth and sustainable national development.

“When we took the oath of office and unveiled the Renewed Hope Agenda, we made a solemn promise that no segment of our society would be left behind.

“We also pledged that infrastructure would not be built only for the elite but would serve as a platform for the economic empowerment of everyday Nigerians,” Tinubu said.

The President noted that the relocation of mechanics, artisans and traders from the Apo Mechanic Village to the Wasa Informal Sector Layout had remained unfulfilled for over a decade despite repeated promises by previous administrations.

According to him, the completion of the project demonstrates his administration’s resolve to fulfil its promises and improve the working conditions of Nigerians in the informal sector.

“For over a decade, our hardworking mechanics, artisans and traders have operated under difficult conditions while waiting for a permanent and organised environment in which to conduct their businesses. Today, under this administration, that promise has been fulfilled,” he said.

Tinubu stressed that the newly completed infrastructure represents much more than roads, electricity and water supply, describing it as an investment in human dignity, enterprise and national economic development.

“The informal sector remains the backbone of our economy, sustaining millions of livelihoods across the country. By providing quality infrastructure in Wasa District, we are laying the foundation for a thriving commercial hub that will stimulate economic activity, reduce the cost of doing business and increase Abuja’s Internally Generated Revenue,” he said.

The President also praised the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for what he described as exceptional commitment and determination in delivering critical infrastructure projects across the nation’s capital.

He further commended the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, for her commitment and collaborative efforts in ensuring the successful implementation of projects across the Territory.

Tinubu said the two ministers had demonstrated that the era of abandoned public projects in the Federal Capital Territory had come to an end.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the President urged mechanics, artisans and traders to protect the facilities and maximise the opportunities created by the new environment.

The President also acknowledged the economic challenges currently facing Nigerians, admitting that recent reforms had imposed short-term hardship on citizens.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government was implementing social intervention programmes, investing in agriculture to improve food production and executing critical infrastructure projects to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.

He thereafter formally commissioned the access roads, power and water supply to the Informal Sector Layout in Wasa District for public use.

Earlier, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said the completion of the infrastructure fulfilled President Tinubu’s promise to provide a permanent and well-planned location for mechanics and traders operating along the Apo corridor.

He recalled that previous administrations had repeatedly promised to relocate the traders without success but said the present administration had fulfilled its commitment within a short period.

“When we came into office, one of the first issues we addressed was the relocation of the mechanics and traders. Mr President approved the project, and in November last year we awarded the contract. Today, we have delivered the infrastructure needed for their relocation,” Wike said.

The minister appealed to members of the various traders’ and mechanics’ associations to resolve their internal disputes to enable the relocation process to commence without delay.

Wike commended the host community for supporting the project, while also praising the contractor, the FCT Executive Committee and the Area Council chairmen for ensuring the successful completion of the project.

In her remarks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as another significant step towards inclusive development and improved livelihoods in the Federal Capital Territory.

Mahmoud thanked President Tinubu for providing the leadership that continues to transform the nation’s capital and commended Wike for his bold, visionary and result-oriented leadership, which she said has accelerated infrastructure delivery across the FCT.