By KEMI KASUMU
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday met with President of Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Dr Mohammed Al-Jasser, at the sidelines of the Paris Peace Forum, explaining why the administration was committed to an infrastructure renaissance for Nigeria.
Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the Nigerian Leader on Media and Publicity, relayed this in a statement he issued and signed out to the media including The DEFENDER on Thursday.
“We are struggling very hard on infrastructure, because there can’t be sustainable development without it,” the President said.
“Considering the vastness of our country, we need roads, rail, power, airports, housing, and that is what we have engaged ourselves with in the past six years. And our people are seeing the new developments. Relative to the resources available to us, we have not done badly. When infrastructure is in place, our people can look after themselves.”
President Buhari thanked the IDB for its help so far, saying; “what we are so dependent on (crude oil) has lost a lot of energy. It is coming back gradually, and we are breathing a bit more with some confidence. But we expect greater cooperation from you.”
Dr Al-Jasser said he had been glad to see the level of collaboration between Nigeria and the IDB since he assumed duties three months ago, telling President Buhari: “I am impressed by your policies on infrastructure, which will give opportunities to youths, and encourage the private sector. Nigeria is a pivotal country to us, and it deserves all the help it can get.”
The IDB boss said the main role of the bank was to promote development among its stakeholders, and will continue to lend a helping hand to Nigeria.
