President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday declared that his administration’s infrastructure development and economic reforms are focused on improving the well-being and prosperity of Nigerians, stressing that current investments are laying the foundation for future growth. The President made the remarks in Iperu, Ogun State, during the inauguration of the Gateway Cargo International Airport, a project executed by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
He also commissioned two aircraft belonging to the newly established Gateway Airline. “Our investment is about our people. The infrastructure underscores our faith in our country, the belief that today’s foundation is for tomorrow’s prosperity,” Tinubu said. He commended Governor Abiodun for his commitment to the welfare of Ogun residents and Nigerians at large, noting that the airport’s connection to an independent power source reflects broader investments in the energy sector. The President said development must be holistic, highlighting ongoing strides in mobility, security, and agriculture. As part of the visit, he launched 1,000 electric bikes, security vehicles, and tractors aimed at boosting transportation, safety, and food production. Tinubu also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their continued support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that recent reforms have increased resources available to state governments. He praised governors for prudent utilisation of funds and lauded Abiodun’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda. The President described the deployment of electric bikes as a forward-looking response to modern transportation needs, emphasizing the importance of adopting cleaner technologies. The President further commended Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, for initiatives that have improved ease of doing business and enhanced staff welfare. He also inaugurated a Customs Hub comprising barracks, a training college, a warehouse, and a hospital. In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described the President’s visit as historic and symbolic of his commitment to national development. He credited the Renewed Hope Agenda with steering Nigeria toward economic recovery, fiscal discipline, and sustainable growth. The governor highlighted key reforms, including the unification of the foreign exchange rate and the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said have restored investor confidence and attracted foreign direct investment. He also cited initiatives such as the Compressed Natural Gas Programme, NELFUND, rail modernisation, and major highway projects as evidence of a deliberate economic reset. Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Tinubu’s democratic credentials, describing the National Assembly as critical to sustaining democracy. He urged the President to decentralise the Transmission Company of Nigeria to improve power sector efficiency and praised his emphasis on boosting internally generated revenue. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also lauded Tinubu’s leadership, noting the remarkable development of Ogun State over the past five decades. The event was attended by several top government officials, including Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, Minister of Communications Bosun Tijani, and Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso, alongside governors from various states and traditional rulers.
