Performance review: Buhari scores high

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday gave his administration high marks, saying it had implemented high-impact projects across the country, which he said have met the aspirations of Nigerians.

Declaring open the 3rd Ministerial Performance Review Retreat at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, he highlighted the progress made in the areas of agriculture, economy, infrastructure, security, health and the fight against corruption, among others.

The retreat is designed to review the administration's progress since the second edition in October 2021.

It serves as a forum for self-assessment, assessing progress and measuring the impact of the work done, ensuring that the government remains focused on delivering on the promises it has made to the Nigerians.

The two-day exercise is attended by Kenya's outgoing President, Uhuru Kenyatta as keynote speaker; the leadership of the National Assembly, all members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), heads of defense, among others.

With this year's theme being "Strengthening Security, Fighting Corruption, Transforming the Economy", the President told participants and guests of the retreat that more than 3,800 km of roads have been built in across the country, while 38 new aircraft were acquired for the Nigerian Air Force to bolster the fight against the insurgency.

President Buhari has declared that 38.7 million Nigerians have been fully immunized against COVID-19, representing 35% of the total target population eligible for vaccination.

With respect to infrastructure, the President said, "In recognition of the importance of critical infrastructure to economic development and this administration's desire to leave a lasting legacy, we have implemented projects in strong impact across the country that responds to the aspirations and aspirations of Nigerians.

"Some of the notable achievements include the completion of the 326 km Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri railway line and ancillary railway facilities; the completion of over 156.5 km of gauge railway upgrade project standard Lagos-Ibadan with extension to the port of Lagos, Apapa.

“Of the road projects, this administration has built 408 km of roads; 2,499 km of SUKUK roads and maintenance of 15,961 km of roads across the country.

“The main ones of these projects are the construction of a 2nd Niger Bridge of 1.9 km connecting Anambra and Delta States with an access road of 10.30 km; rehabilitation, construction and extension of the Lagos-Shagamu-Ibadan dual carriageway; the ongoing rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna – Zaria – Kano road, among others.”

While emphasizing that he has maintained his commitment to infrastructure development over the past seven years, President Buhari said that more than 941 km of completed SUKUK road projects across the country have been handed over.< /p>

Furthermore, he said his government has embarked on the reconstruction of 21 selected federal highways totaling 1,804.6 km, under the Development Investment Tax Credit Policy and the renovation of road infrastructure.

He explained that the routes, which are being funded by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, come on top of an existing similar collaboration with Messrs. Dangote Industries Limited and other companies to improve the country's road infrastructure stock.

On aviation, the President assured that the establishment of a national carrier for Nigeria is 91% complete and is expected to commence flight operations before the end of this year.

He said the feat is bolstered by the certification of Lagos and Abuja international airports by the International Civil Aviation Organization, while Kano and Port Harcourt airports are subject to processes similar certifications.

On the economic front, the President reaffirmed that the country had experienced seven consecutive quarters of growth, after negative growth rates recorded in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2020.

He added: “GDP grew by 3.54% (year-on-year) in real terms in Q2 2022. This growth rate represents sustained positive economic performance, particularly for non-oil GDP which has fell by 4.77% in Q2 2022 compared to oil GDP which increased by -11.77%.

"Most sectors of the economy recorded positive growth which reflects the effective implementation of the economic sustainability measures introduced by this administration," he said.

On the communications and digital economy sector, the President noted that great strides have been made with broadband coverage currently standing at 44.32%, bolstered by 4G coverage of 77.52% with the establishment of 36,751 4G base stations nationwide.

Similarly, the president said the power sector remains a key priority for the administration, adding that the implementation of a “willing buyer-willing seller” policy introduced by the federal government opened up opportunities for me...