BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Federal Government has stated its readiness to build more transformative projects across priority sectors, aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
This was the crux of a discuss between the Vice President of IsDB and other stakeholders, organised by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun in Abuja.
Edun described the bank as a steadfast ally in Nigeria’s development journey since 2005, adding that their visit marked a significant moment in the shared journey of partnership, progress, and purpose.
He lamented that despite fiscal constraints, Nigeria has continued to honour its obligations, since the Federal Government deeply values the bank’s flexibility in aligning with its realities.
The minister noted the success of IsDB interventions across education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and innovation, describing the projects as lifeline for communities, engine of growth, and symbol of hope.
He underscored the alignment between Nigeria’s bold economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the IsDB’s 2026–2035 strategic framework.
Edun appreciated the IsDB team for their assurances and reiterated Nigeria’s ownership and alignment of priorities under the country’s engagement framework.
He said: "It is our bank, our sovereignty, our projects, our priorities. Today, my colleagues from Education, Environment, Transportation, Works, Water Resources and Sanitation, and my team from the Ministry of Finance, have given a comprehensive insight into our key priorities and legacy projects. The time has come to move beyond frameworks and concept notes to implementation, beginning with the signing of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project."
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi emphasised the administration’s prioritisation of road infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He highlighted the Ilela–Lagos–Sokoto–Badagry economic corridor as a strategic lifeline that connects Nigeria to Niger Republic and other African countries.
“This corridor is a vital economic artery that will boost trade, create jobs, and lift communities out of poverty. President Tinubu’s commitment to this project reflects his determination to drive Nigeria’s economic transformation,” he added.
Represented by the Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq, he confirmed that construction works have commenced on the Sokoto and Kebbi sections, with Hitech Construction achieving clearance and 25 kilometers of work on the Kebbi axis.
Other projects cited included the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Calabar–Nasarawa–FCT corridor, and the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, all of which require additional financing to accelerate delivery.
Responding to issues raised on road infrastructure, the Operations Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr. Rami M. S. Ahmad reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructure agenda.
"Infrastructure is a core pillar of our strategy, and we work from each country’s own priorities. For the road projects raised today, we will not allow delays to persist; where they can be re-scoped, we will act; where not, we will close them and move forward with new initiatives.
"The Ilela–Lagos–Sokoto–Badagry corridor and other key projects align with our mandate, and through the Country Engagement Framework, we are ready to accelerate their delivery,” he assured.
Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite was optimistic that the dialogue enhanced partnership with the bank and the vast potential within the institutions.
She added: "From infrastructure and human capital to Islamic finance and the Nigerian economy, the opportunities for collaboration are both strategic and urgent. As custodians of Nigeria’s public finance, we are committed to deploying every naira transparently, efficiently, and in line with our national priorities."
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