By Tony Obiechina Abuja

The Federal government demonstrated strong commitment towards closing the infrastructure gaps in the country, Minister of State for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba has stated.

Agba restated government’s commitment while addressing the inaugural meeting of the Technical Working Group of the National Council on Infrastructure in Abuja on Monday.

He said the government was determined to addressing the infrastructure gaps across the country by ensuring consistent budgetary allocations for capital projects at 30 per cent in the annual budget since 2016 “and to this effect, the National Infrastructure stock has increased from 25% in 2014 to at least 35% in 2020”.

Agba also disclosed that public investment in both core and non-core infrastructure has substantially increased, particularly public investments in Road, Railway, Power, Aviation, Broadband, Housing and Regional Development infrastructure which have all been prioritized by this administration.

He however noted that “there’s a need to do more which has necessitated the inauguration of the National Council on Infrastructure along with its TWG, to essentially bring together stakeholders from MDAs and private sector organizations in order to fast track delivery of priority projects and programmes in line with key national policy thrust of the government”.

The Minister explained that Council and its TWG as encapsulated in the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan document recognizes the important roles of key stakeholders, specialized MDAs and private sector organization for their relevance in the sustainable implementation of the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, both in the short-term and long-terms.

He following Mr. President’s approval for the constitution of the National Council on Infrastructure and its inauguration under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo on 23rd August, 2022, it therefore becomes imperative to constitute as well as inaugurate the TWG as a working arm to advise on all infrastructure related matters

According to him, the TWG is also expected to provide policy guidance to the Council towards driving sustainable implementation of the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, adding that “It is in this regards that today’s event is crucial to the achievement, landmark and taking overall plans of the NIIMP”

He although the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the TWG appeared limited, its overall task is quite enormous in terms of its implementation strategies”.

The National Council on Infrastructure will create a model for National Infrastructure Advisory Council as stipulated in it’s mandate; more specifically, to ensure political commitments towards increased funding for infrastructure development in Nigeria”, he added.