The Federal Government on Thursday inaugurated an
inter-ministerial committee for the formal inauguration of the National
Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan by President Goodluck Jonathan in the
next few weeks. The NIIMP, which is a comprehensive development plan designed
to bridge the current infrastructure gap in the country and covering a 30-year
period from 2014-2043, is projected to gulp about N485tn and create 33.6
million jobs. The Minister of National Planning, Dr. Abubakar Sulaiman, who
inaugurated the committee in Abuja, said the multi-stakeholder panel was
expected to make vital contributions for the successful inauguration of the
plan. He described the NIIMP as crucial to the current efforts of the
government to transform the country for the improved socio-economic well-being
of the people. Sulaiman said, “The presidential launch of the NIIMP will lay a
credible foundation for the maiden edition of the nation’s annual summit on
infrastructure and investment-driving pursuit. The President’s objective is
clear, unambiguous and transparently patriotic. “The first five years of
implementing this plan will position us to take maximum advantage of what our
huge natural and human resources promise.” He urged members of the committee,
headed by the Acting Secretary of the National Planning Commission, Mr. Bassey
Akpayung, to work towards delivering on the mandate given them by the
government. In his response, Akpayung pledged the commitment of the members to
the national assignment by providing overall leadership and direction for the
successful inauguration of the NIIMP. He assured the minister that the
committee would mobilise the needed support towards executing major activities
leading to the planned inauguration.
Punch, (Online)
No comments:
Post a Comment