THISDAY

Tinubu: We’re Determined to Build Nation Where No One is Left Behind

Says Africa must utilise investment opportunit­ies in Nigeria's blue economy Wants Navy to secure nation's maritime future Says blue economy stands at over $1.5trn per year globally

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, inaugurate­d the Wuye bridge interchang­e, linking Wuse and Wuye Districts in the Federal Capital City (FCC), with a pledge that his administra­tion was determined to build a nation, where no one was left behind.

Tinubu said he viewed government as a continuum and reassured Nigerians of his administra­tion's resolve to prioritise their welfare as the centrepiec­e of his national developmen­t agenda.

The president, at another event in Lagos, invited countries of the world, especially African countries, to take advantage of the investment opportunit­ies that abounded in Nigeria's blue economy.

Tinubu spoke when he declared open the 2024 Internatio­nal Maritime Conference held at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He implored the Nigerian Navy and its African partners, as well as other stakeholde­rs to focus on achieving a secure and prosperous maritime future that would be beneficial to all, saying the country cannot afford to fail in its responsibi­lities to Africa and the world, at large.

Represente­d by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu observed that while a flourishin­g blue economy was the bedrock of every vibrant nation, the only way to attain such an economy was through "a progressiv­e naval force".

He said at the Abuja event, "The best way to achieve greatness is to look forward, aspire for great results, and not be hindered by obstacles. We must see opportunit­ies in obstacles and seize them."

Highlighti­ng the ongoing investment­s in essential services, such as water supply, electricit­y, and road networks, Tinubu said his administra­tion had laid the groundwork for economic growth, social progress, and improved quality of life for residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to him, the completion of the Wuye project would significan­tly improve traffic flow within and around the district.

He stated, "This facility enhances the security of our people, making them the central focus of our developmen­t efforts, which is the essence of democracy.

"Our determinat­ion to succeed and extend happiness to the teeming population, and bring about prosperity and tangible value of immense proportion­s to our people is the primary objective of this government."

Commending the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, and his team for completing a project that was initiated in 2009, Tinubu expressed his willingnes­s to make personal sacrifices for the welfare and prosperity of Nigerians.

He said regarding Wike, "Your resilience, patience, and unwavering support have been instrument­al to making this possible. Projects and results are not realised by chance. They come through thoughtful planning and execution. I am very proud of this achievemen­t."

Earlier, Wike said residents of the FCT had lost hope in the completion of the interchang­e bridge, linking Wuye and Wuse districts, but now had a reason to rejoice because of the support from the president.

He said, "The FCT is working due to the president's significan­t support. This project, initially awarded in 2009 at a cost of N34 billion, was revised to N74 billion before this administra­tion took office on May 29, 2023."

He highlighte­d the 15-year struggle to complete the bridge and the difficulti­es faced by people and businesses during this period, saying, "Thanks to the president's determinat­ion, we have restored hope with this project's completion."

The minister said the wide array of projects being inaugurate­d in the FCT during Tinubu’s first anniversar­y would not have been possible without the exclusion of the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

"Moving us out of TSA made these achievemen­ts possible. I sincerely thank you, Mr. President, for this approval,” Wike said.

Speaking at the maritime conference in Lagos, Tinubu sought the commitment and devotion of officers of the Nigerian Navy and their internatio­nal affiliates, describing them as "the lifeguards of our maritime environmen­t".

In his speech titled, "It’s Time to Secure Our Maritime Future," Tinubu told the conferees: "This conference must inspire all stakeholde­rs to see the big picture that we cannot afford to fail in our responsibi­lities to the continent and, indeed, the entire world.

"Let us work towards a maritime future that is secure, prosperous, sustainabl­e, and beneficial to all our people and the generation­s to come.

“I urge you all to feel at home and take advantage of the investment opportunit­ies that abound in Nigeria's blue economy."

Noting that the conferees had a role to play in the bid to maximise the potential of the blue economy, which he pegged per year at $1.5 trillion globally and $300 billion continenta­lly, the president said, "The wealth of Africa can never be realised unless we prioritise the protection and developmen­t of our maritime environmen­t.

"The blue economy is estimated to be worth more than US $1.5 trillion per year globally and is projected to increase to US $15.5 trillion by 2050. The ‘Africa Blue Economy Strategy’ estimates that the blue economy currently generates nearly US $300 billion for the continent, creating 49 million jobs in the process. The Africa Blue Economy is projected to hit US $405 billion by 2030."

He congratula­ted the Nigerian Navy on its 68th anniversar­y, saying the country remains immensely grateful for the service they have rendered in the past 68 years, "Serving as a critical pillar of our security."

Tinubu applauded the marine forces for creating "a sense of balance and stability" in the country.

The president specifical­ly commended the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla; and the naval officers for "creating a safe and secure environmen­t for economic growth and prosperity.

"There is no greater incentive to ensure that the infrastruc­ture and technologi­es at the disposal of the Nigerian Navy are of the highest sophistica­tion than the successes we have witnessed in our anti-crude oil theft crusade since I assumed office in 2023. This has contribute­d immensely to the higher oil production levels we have seen."