President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that his administration’s infrastructure drive and economic reforms are designed to improve the well-being and long-term prosperity of Nigerians.
The President made this known on Saturday 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 newly acquired aircraft for the state-owned Gateway Airline.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu emphasised that the government’s investments are people-focused and aimed at building a sustainable future.
“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. Thank you all for your understanding,” the President said.
He commended Governor Abiodun for his commitment to the welfare of Ogun State residents and Nigerians at large, noting that the newly commissioned airport, powered by an independent energy source, reflects ongoing investments in the energy sector.
Highlighting broader developmental strides, Tinubu pointed to advancements in mobility, security, and agriculture, demonstrated by the launch of 1,000 electric bikes, security vehicles, and tractors during the visit.
The President also praised Nigerians for their continued support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that ongoing reforms have increased financial resources available to sub-national governments.
According to him, state governors have been utilising these resources effectively, with Abiodun singled out for aligning Ogun State’s development agenda with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu described the introduction of electric bikes as a forward-looking response to modern transportation needs, stressing the importance of embracing technology over fossil fuels to improve daily life.
He also lauded the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for reforms that have enhanced ease of doing business and prioritised staff welfare.
“Nigeria will continue to remember you. Your legacies, commitment and patriotism are well appreciated,” Tinubu said.
As part of the visit, the President 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, noting that it underscored the federal government’s commitment to national development and recognition of states as engines of growth.
He praised Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it has set Nigeria on a path of economic recovery, fiscal discipline, and sustainable growth.
The governor highlighted key reforms, including the unification of the foreign exchange rate, removal of fuel subsidy, and restructuring of public finance, which he said have boosted investor confidence and attracted foreign direct investment.
Abiodun also cited other initiatives such as the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Programme, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), rail modernisation projects, and major highway developments, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Badagry-Sokoto Highway, as indicators of a deliberate economic reset.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who also spoke at the event, commended Tinubu’s democratic credentials and reaffirmed the National Assembly’s role in strengthening democracy.
He credited the President with pioneering the Independent Power Plant model during his tenure as Lagos State governor, a system now adopted by several states.
Akpabio, however, called for the decentralisation of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to improve efficiency in the power sector.
He further praised Tinubu’s emphasis on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), noting that reforms have empowered states financially, reducing reliance on borrowing for salaries and projects.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also expressed appreciation to Tinubu for his leadership, reflecting on Ogun State’s development since its creation 50 years ago.
“Nobody at the time would have thought we would have what we have today,” Obasanjo said, attributing the progress to successive administrations in the state.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso.
Governors from Borno, Niger, Taraba, Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Bayelsa, and Ekiti states, as well as traditional rulers, were also in attendance.