Showing posts with label Infrastructure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Infrastructure. Show all posts

Monday, May 29, 2023

Full Text of The Inaugural Address By President Bola Ahmed Tinubu


Inaugural Address By President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

 My Fellow Citizens,

The Nigerian idea

I stand before you honoured to assume the sacred mandate you have given me. My love for this nation is abiding. My confidence in its people, unwavering. And my faith in God Almighty, absolute. I know that His hand shall provide the needed moral strength and clarity of purpose in those instances when we seem to have reached the limits of our human capacity.

This day is bold and majestic yet bright and full of spirit, as is our precious nation.

As a nation, we have long ago decided to march beyond the dimness of night into the open day of renewed national hope.

The question we now ask ourselves is whether to remain faithful to the work inherent in building a better society or retreat into the shadows of our unmet potential.

For me, there is but one answer. We are too great a nation and too grounded as a people to rob ourselves of our finest destiny.

This nation’s journey has been shaped by the prayers of millions, and the collective sacrifices of us all.

We have endured hardships that would have made other societies crumble.

Yet, we have shouldered the heavy burden to arrive at this SUBLIME moment where the prospect of a better future merges with our improved capacity to create that future.

To the surprise of many but not to ourselves, we have more firmly established this land as a democracy in both word and deed.

The peaceful transition from one government to another is now our political tradition. This handover symbolizes our trust in God, our enduring faith in representative governance and our belief in our ability to reshape this nation into the society it was always meant to be.

Here, permit me to say a few words to my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr President, you have been an honest, patriotic leader who has done his best for the nation you love. On a more personal note, you are a worthy partner and friend. May History be kind to you.

For many years, Nigeria’s critics have trafficked the rumour that our nation will break apart, even perish.

Yet here we are. We have stumbled at times, but our resilience and diversity have kept us going.

Our burdens may make us bend at times, but they shall never break us.

Instead, we stand forth as Africa’s most populous nation and as the best hope and strongest champion of the Black Race.

As citizens, we declare as one unified people devoted to one unified national cause, that as long as this world exists, NIGERIA SHALL EXIST.

Today, Fate and Destiny join together to place the torch of human progress in our very hands. We dare not let it slip.

We lift high this torch so that it might shine on every household and in every heart that calls itself Nigerian. We hold this beam aloft because it lights our path with compassion, brotherhood, and peace. May this great light never EXTINGUISH.

Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate. We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own.

We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear and injure it.

In this vein, may I offer a few comments regarding the election that brought us to this juncture. It was a hard fought contest. And it was also fairly won. Since the advent of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has not held an election of better quality.

The outcome reflected the will of the people. However, my victory does not render me any more Nigerian than my opponents. Nor does it render them any less patriotic.

They shall forever be my fellow compatriots. And I will treat them as such. They represent important constituencies and concerns that wisdom dare not ignore.

They have taken their concerns to court. Seeking legal redress is their right and I fully defend their exercise of this right. This is the essence of the rule of law.

Over six decades ago, our founding fathers gave bravely of themselves to place Nigeria on the map as an independent nation.

We must never allow the labor of those who came before us to wither in vain but to blossom and bring forth a better reality.

Let us take the next great step in the journey they began and believed in.

Today, let us recommit our very selves to placing Nigeria in our hearts as the indispensable home for each and every one of us regardless of creed, ethnicity, or place of birth.

My supporters, I thank you. To those who voted otherwise, I extend my hand across the political divide. I ask you to grasp it in national affinity and brotherhood. For me, political coloration has faded away. All I see are Nigerians.

May we uphold these fitting and excellent notions as the new Nigerian ideal.

My fellow compatriots,

The Nigerian idea which I speak of is more than just an improvement in economic and other statistics. These things are important; but they can never convey the fullness of our story.

Our mission is to improve our way of life in a manner that nurtures our humanity, encourages compassion toward one another, and duly rewards our collective effort to resolve the social ills that seek to divide us.[/b]

Our constitution and laws give us a nation on paper. We must work harder at bringing these noble documents to life by strengthening the bonds of economic collaboration, social cohesion, and cultural understanding. Let us develop a shared sense of fairness and equity.

The South must not only seek good for itself but must understand that its interests are served when good comes to the North. The North must see the South likewise.

Whether from the winding creeks of the Niger Delta, the vastness of the northern savannah, the boardrooms of Lagos, the bustling capital of Abuja, or the busy markets of Onitsha, you are all my people. As your president, I shall serve with prejudice toward none but compassion and amity towards all.

In the coming days and weeks, my team will publicly detail key aspects of our programme. Today, permit me to outline in broad terms a few initiatives that define our concept of progressive good governance in furtherance of the Nigerian ideal:

The principles that will guide our administration are simple:

Nigeria will be impartially governed according to the constitution and the rule of law.

We shall defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality that threaten the peace and stability of our country and our subregion.

We shall remodel our economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security and an end of extreme poverty.

In our administration, Women and youth will feature prominently.

Our government will continue to take proactive steps such as championing a credit culture to discourage corruption while strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of the various anti-corruption agencies.

SECURITY

Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.

To effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security DOCTRINE and its ARCHITECTURE.

We shall invest more in our security personnel, and this means more than an increase in number. We shall provide, better training, equipment, pay and firepower.

THE ECONOMY

On the economy, we target a higher GDP growth and to significantly reduce unemployment.

We intend to accomplish this by taking the following steps:

First, budgetary reform stimulating the economy without engendering inflation will be instituted.

Second, industrial policy will utilize the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency.

Third, electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike. Power generation should nearly double and transmission and distribution networks improved. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well.

I have a message for our investors, local and foreign: our government shall review all their complaints about multiple taxation and various anti-investment inhibitions.

We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard earned dividends and profits home.

JOBS

My administration must create meaningful opportunities for our youth. We shall honour our campaign commitment of one million new jobs in the digital economy.

Our government also shall work with the National Assembly to fashion an omnibus Jobs and Prosperity bill. This bill will give our administration the policy space to embark on labour-intensive infrastructural improvements, encourage light industry and provide improved social services for the poor, elderly and vulnerable.

AGRICULTURE

Rural incomes shall be secured by commodity exchange boards guaranteeing minimal prices for certain crops and animal products. A nationwide programmefor storage and other facilities to reduce spoilage and waste will be undertaken.

Agricultural hubs will be created throughout the nation to increase production and engage in value-added processing. The livestock sector will be introduced to best modern practices and steps taken to minimize the perennial conflict over land and water resources in this sector.

Through these actions, food shall be made more abundant yet less costly. Farmers shall earn more while the average Nigerian pays less.

INFRASTRUCTURE

We shall continue the efforts of the Buhari administration on infrastructure. Progress toward national networks of roads, rail and ports shall get priority attention.

FUEL SUBSIDY

We commend the decision of the outgoing administration in phasing out the petrol subsidy regime which has increasingly favoured the rich more than the poor. Subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources. We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions.

MONETARY POLICY

Monetary policy needs thorough housecleaning. The Central Bank must work towards a unified exchange rate. This will direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant, equipment and jobs that power the real economy.

Interest rates need to be reduced to increase investment and consumer purchasing in ways that sustain the economy at a higher level.

Whatever merits it had in concept, the currency swap was too harshly applied by the CBN given the number of unbanked Nigerians. The policy shall be reviewed. In the meantime, my administration will treat both currencies as legal tender.

FOREIGN POLICY

Given the world in which we reside, please permit a few comments regarding foreign policy.

The crisis in Sudan and the turn from democracy by several nations in our immediate neighbourhood are of pressing concern.

As such, my primary foreign policy objective must be the peace and stability of the West African subregion and the African continent. We shall work with ECOWAS, the AU and willing partners in the international community to end extant conflicts and to resolve new ones.

As we contain threats to peace, we shall also retool our foreign policy to more actively lead the regional and continental quest for collective prosperity.

Conclusion

This is the proudest day of my life. But this day does not belong to me. It belongs to you, the people of Nigeria.

On this day, Nigeria affirms its rightful place among the world’s great democracies. There, Nigeria shall reside forever.

The course of our past and the promise of the future have brought us to this exceptional moment.

In this spirit, I ask you to join me in making Nigeria a more perfect nation and democracy such that the Nigerian ideal becomes and forever remains the Nigerian reality.

With full confidence in our ability, I declare that these things are within our proximate reach because my name is Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I am the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

May God bless you and May He bless our beloved land.




Tuesday, August 23, 2022

The Big 5 Construct Nigeria Paves the Way for Industry Growth


The Big 5 Construct Nigeria Paves the Way for Industry Growth

Leading trade show underpins the advancement of the Nigerian construction industry

  • Nigeria is the number one construction and infrastructure market in West Africa 
  • The Nigerian government has allocated $123.1 billion for critical infrastructure projects between 2021 and 2025 
  • The Big 5 Construct Nigeria is the country’s largest gathering for the construction and infrastructure community, expecting exhibits from over 130 international and local construction products, services and technology companies.

Lagos, 23 August 2022:  At The Big 5 Construct Nigeria, taking place between 27 and 29 September 2022 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, leading industry buyers and sellers from Africa and beyond will come together to promote innovation, share cutting edge knowledge, and accelerate business, in a safe and convenient environment.  

Following the disruptions forced on the construction industry in recent years due to the pandemic, latest forecasts predict industry growth of 5.7% in 2022, and suggest that construction activity in Nigeria will surpass pre-COVID levels by 2023. This growth is supported by the Nigerian government’s investment in infrastructure and housing development projects, with $123.1 billion allocated for critical infrastructure projects between 2021 and 2025.

“Launched in 2019, The Big 5 Construct Nigeria is now earmarked as the yearly gathering of construction professionals to engage both with the local and international community, as a place to source, learn and develop new skills. By bringing together experts and suppliers from around the world to engage with the local construction community, the event plays a direct role to support the needs of the country's infrastructure and housing development projects,” says Ben Greenish, Senior Vice President, dmg events. 

From building materials and tools, interiors and finishes, to solar and urban design landscaping, the products and services on show will cover the full construction cycle from inception to completion, from leading companies such as Forero Nigeria Limited, Sana Grup and Kohler. In addition, for the first time, the expo will also showcase four new international pavilions from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Kuwait.

Gold sponsor of the event is CDK Integrated Industries, local manufacturer of premium quality sanitary ware, as well as ceramic and porcelain tiles. The company’s outlook for the future of Nigeria’s construction industry is extremely positive. “As a result of to the Federation Government’s import policies, as well as dollar rationing and the impact of Covid on export, logistics and production costs, CDK has experienced considerable growth of over 65% in the last two years,” says CDK Brand and Marketing Manager, Abimbola Onagbade.  

Over and above the wealth of products and services on show from local and international exhibitors, visitors to the 3-day in-person event will have the opportunity to learn valuable industry insights when they attend a series of CPD-certified talks, featuring keynotes and panel discussions led by notable industry experts that address the challenges of construction and explore the key components for practical growth and prosperity.

The 3-day Industry Talks programme will focus on three core themes of technology, project management and architecture, and will include discussions on the trends and opportunities driving the ongoing digital transformation across Nigeria, as well as green architecture and project cost control budgeting. In addition, several masterclasses will be offered by the Chartered Institute of Building, such as sustainable project management implementation, the redesign of streets in African cities and tips to building sustainability credibility. 

“The Big 5 Construct Nigeria continues to propel change and is a must-attend event for buyers and brands across Sub Saharan Africa who are looking to be inspired by other trend-setters and innovators within the industry,” concludes Greenish.

The Big 5 Construct Nigeria will take place at the Landmark Centre in Lagos from 27-29 September 2022, from 10:00 – 17:00 daily and is free to attend for all industry professionals.

For more information or to register, please visit:  https://www.thebig5constructnigeria.com

ENDS

About The Big 5 Construct Nigeria


The Big 5 Construct Nigeria is a unique platform bringing together influential decision-makers, innovators, and suppliers from the region and beyond. The event offers visitors a opportunity to connect with 8000 of their industry peers, find the right products & solutions from over 120 international and local exhibitors and earn free CPD points through a curated talks programme.

For more information, please visit our website: www.thebig5constructnigeria.com 

About dmg eventsv

dmg events is a leading organizer of face-to-face events and a publisher of trade magazines.

The company aims to keep businesses informed and connect them with relevant communities to create vibrant marketplaces and to accelerate their business through face-to-face events.

dmg events organizes more than 80 events across 25 countries, attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates every year. The company’s portfolio of products includes many industry-leading events in the energy, construction, hospitality & design, coatings, and transportation sectors. ADIPEC, The Big 5, Gastech, EGYPS, The Hotel Show and INDEX are the company’s flagship events. 



Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Opened Markets, Infrastructure Stoke Competitive Fires in Nigeria

22 Mar 2011 19:00 Africa/Lagos


Opened Markets, Infrastructure Stoke Competitive Fires in Nigeria, Pyramid Finds

PR Newswire

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 22, 2011

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Telecom infrastructure development in Nigeria, such as subsea cables and the Nigerian Communications Commission's (NCC) Internet exchange point, has encouraged competition and facilitated the expansion of data networks to make them more accessible and affordable to the public, according to a new report from Pyramid Research (www.pyr.com).

Nigeria: Opened Markets and New Infrastructure Stoke Competitive Fires offers a precise profile of the country's telecommunications, media and technology sectors based on proprietary data from Pyramid's research in the market. It provides detailed competitive analysis of both the fixed and mobile sectors, tracks the market shares of technologies and services and monitors the introduction and spread of new technologies.

Download an excerpt of this report here: http://www.pyr.com/downloads.htm?id=18&sc=PRN032211_CIRNIG

Purchase the report here: http://www.pyramidresearch.com/store/CIRNIGERIA.htm?sc=PRN032211_CIRNIG

"The competitive landscape of Nigeria's telecom sector has forced operators to rollout new infrastructure to improve coverage and quality, which has resulted in a surge of subscription growth and usage," says Majd Hosn, Associate Research Analyst at Pyramid. "Pyramid expects growth of total market services revenue to continue over the next five years at a 5.9 percent CAGR. Pay-TV, fixed VoIP, broadband Internet and mobile data are anticipated to be the fastest-growth segments," he adds.

"Projects, such as the MainOne undersea cable, have created a strong surge in the quality of the infrastructure backbone," indicates Hosn. "This will translate into increased usage of connectivity, expected to reach 33.8 percent market share in 2015, and infotainment, expected to have a 21 percent mobile data revenue share in 2015," he explains. The infrastructure sharing debate is also ongoing in Nigeria, and Pyramid expects to see some regulations and actions taken to expedite it. "Operators will be able to use less of their expenditure on infrastructure development and more on implementing strategies to expand their customer base and ARPS, such as mobile broadband and value-added services."

The NCC's plan to increase the competition in the telecom sector has been successful. "The addition of marginal lower-spending subscribers to the market, and increased competition among existing GSM- and CDMA-based operators, will continue to drive ARPS downward," notes Hosn. "Number portability in 2011 is expected to further increase the competition and allow for a reshuffling of market shares. This could represent a struggle to keep churn rates low but also an opportunity to attract customers from competitors," he adds.

Nigeria: Opened Markets and New Infrastructure Stoke Competitive Fires is part of Pyramid Research's Africa & Middle East Country Intelligence Report Series and is priced at $990. Download the excerpt here: http://www.pyr.com/downloads.htm?id=18&sc=PRN032211_CIRNIG. It can be purchased online here (http://www.pyramidresearch.com/store/CIRNIGERIA.htm?sc=PRN032211_CIRNIG) or by emailing us at info@pyr.com.

Contact: Jennifer Baker, +1-617-871-1910, jbaker@pyr.com

SOURCE Pyramid Research

Web Site: http://www.pyr.com



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