President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigerians can look after themselves if there is necessary infrastructure in place to aid their day-to-day activities.
He spoke in Paris Thursday while meeting with the president of the Islamic Development Bank, Mohammed Al-Jasser, at the sidelines of the Paris Peace Forum.
Buhari, according to a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, said: “We’re struggling very hard on infrastructure, because there can’t be sustainable development without it.
“Considering the vastness of our country, we need roads, rail, power, airports, housing, and that’s what we’ve 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.”
Buhari thanked the IDB for its help so far, saying “what we’re so dependent on (crude oil) has lost a lot of energy. It is coming back gradually, and we’re breathing a bit more with some confidence. But we expect greater cooperation from you.”
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.
“I’m 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,” he Buhari.
