Shettima Says Tinubu’s Infrastructure Investments Will Boost Trade, Connect Economic Corridors
Shettima Says Tinubu's Infrastructure Investments Will Boost Trade, Connect Economic Corridors
Shettima Says Tinubu’s Infrastructure Investments Will Boost Trade, Connect Economic Corridors
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the massive infrastructure investments being undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are connecting major economic corridors, strengthening regional trade, reducing transportation costs and creating new opportunities for businesses and communities across Nigeria.
Shettima stated this on Wednesday in Lafia, Nasarawa State, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally, where he highlighted the Federal Government’s investments in strategic transport infrastructure to promote economic growth and national development.
He explained that the projects are designed to connect agricultural and industrial production centres with markets, create employment opportunities and accelerate economic activities across the country’s geopolitical zones.
The Vice President identified the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway as a major project under the administration’s infrastructure development agenda, noting that it would strengthen economic connections between the North-Central and North-East regions.
He added that the project, alongside the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s infrastructure deficit and building an integrated national economy.
“We have promised to connect producers and markets. We have promised to ease movement across regions. We have promised to generate employment. We have promised to diminish costs that burden traders and families. This is what we are doing, and we have come to ask for your support for another term to complete this mission,” he said.
Shettima noted that improved road networks would make it easier to transport agricultural produce, minerals and manufactured goods, bringing farms, mines and factories closer to consumers and businesses.
He said the infrastructure programme was being supported by economic reforms aimed at strengthening public finances, improving government revenue and restoring investor confidence.
According to him, the reforms have improved revenue generation and increased allocations to state and local governments, providing additional resources for infrastructure and other development projects.
The Vice President acknowledged the economic difficulties Nigerians have experienced as a result of the reforms but assured that the government remained committed to ensuring that their benefits translate into improved living conditions.
On education, Shettima highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that students from Nasarawa State could benefit from the Federal Government’s student loan programme to access higher education.
He also disclosed that President Tinubu had approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology.
He described the decision as a strategic investment in developing the technical manpower needed to harness the country’s solid mineral resources.
The Vice President further highlighted the commissioning of the Diamond New Energy Lithium Processing Plant in Nasarawa State, noting that the administration was encouraging local processing of mineral resources to create manufacturing jobs and retain more economic value within the country.
Shettima also commended Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, for investments in roads, flyovers, urban infrastructure, education, healthcare and public institutions.
He said the APC had returned to Nigerians to present its record in government and seek another mandate for President Tinubu and other party candidates. He also urged supporters to embrace peaceful political participation and reject violence during the electoral process.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, also addressed the rally, highlighting the administration’s projects and urging the people of Nasarawa State to support the continuation of ongoing development programmes.
Similarly, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, called on the people of Nasarawa State and the North-Central region to support President Tinubu, Senator Ahmed Wadada and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, described President Tinubu’s administration as committed to national development and also appealed for support for the party’s candidates.
In his remarks, the APC governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, Senator Ahmed Wadada, defended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, citing ongoing infrastructure projects and developments in the capital market as indicators of economic activity.
Earlier, Vice President Shettima paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I (Rtd.), where he conveyed President Tinubu’s greetings to the traditional ruler.
During the visit, Shettima commended the Emir for his contributions to justice and peace, describing Nasarawa State as a reflection of Nigeria’s diversity, where people from different ethnic backgrounds live together.
In his response, the Emir wished President Tinubu success in the forthcoming elections and expressed confidence in the ability of Nigerians to make their choice of leadership.
He also commended Vice President Shettima for his loyalty, dedication to public service and contributions to national development.
Shettima Says Tinubu’s Infrastructure Investments Will Boost Trade, Connect Economic Corridors
