The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • ‘Buhari’s victory dependent on Akpabio’s second term’

    The victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC), specifically that of President Muhammadu Buhari in Akwa Ibom state in the 2019 general election, is dependent on the reelection of Senator Godswill Akpabio into the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

    A chieftain of the APC, Uduak Okpo stated this on Thursday at Etim Ekpo local government area of the state during a mobilization campaign for Buhari and Senator Akpabio.

    According to him, the APC in the state would emerge stronger and more united if Akpabio wins election into the Senate next year, adding that the former senate minority leader’s victory at the polls will earn Buhari more votes in the state.

    Okpo said the dislodgement of the People’s Democratic Party government in Akwa Ibom was a task that needs to be accomplished.

    The one-time House of Representatives candidate for Abak, Etim Ekpo, Ika federal constituency in 2007 and aspirant for Ikot Ekpene senatorial district in 2014, said the APC party primary election in 2014 but surrendered it for the interest of the party.

    He said, “We have a formidable party now in Akwa Ibom capable of winning election. Therefore, we have to align with the former senate minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio and President Muhammadu Buhari and Hon Emmanuel Ekon for the federal House of Representatives. Let us unite to fight our common enemy and win Akwa Ibom for the APC”, he advised.

    Read Also: 2019: Group drums support for Buhari

    Okpo appreciated the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the national chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomole for the option of direct primaries as a means to enfranchise all card carrying members of the party to participate in the primary election.

    He lamented that he was robbed of his victory in the past by the ruling PDP in the state and implored all members to shun divisive tendencies and embrace Akpabio despite all differences with APC when he was the governor of the state.

    Okpo, who is also the Akwa Ibom caucus member of the APC endorsed Precious Effiong as the aspirant for Etim Ekpo/Ika state constituency in pursuance of 35 percent affirmative action for women by the APC and party members not to stop galvanizing around greedy politicians for favour as all members are delegates in the party primaries.

    He faulted the previous delegate primary election where a few members of a cabal took decision to nominate party flag bearers against the wish of party faithful.

     

  • Buhari, Ambode meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday met behind closed doors with the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting started around 2.40 p.m

    The governor, after picking his second term nomination form, suddenly realized that other aspirants under the All Progressives Congress (APC) were also interested in the number one Lagos State public office.

    Read Also: Ambode advises corps members on projects

    The APC governorship primary has now been rescheduled for September 29, 2018.

    The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

  • Buhari halts Adeleke’s invitation by IGP

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday ordered the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to stop the invitation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship aspirant in Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

    The police force was inviting him to the force headquarters to answer questions on alleged Examination Malpractice, Criminal Conspiracy, Impersonation, Breach of Duty, Aiding and Abetting.

    But a Presidency source who pleaded for anonymity, confirmed the latest development to newsmen on Wednesday.

    Read Also: Exam Malpractice: Police invite Adeleke

    According to him, Buhari ordered that Adeleke should not be invited until after Saturday’s election.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Ag. DCP Jimoh Moshood, had in a statement invited Adeleke and four others namely; Mr. Sikiru Adeleke, Alhaji Aregbesola Mufutau (Principal of Ojo-Aro Community Grammar School, Egbedore LGA, Osun State), Mr. Gbadamosi Thomas Ojo (School Staff responsible for the registration of candidates for NECO), Mr. Dare Olutope (School Teacher who facilitated the commission of the crime) to report to the Special Investigation Panel, Force Headquarters, Abuja immediately for arraignment in court.

  • 2019: Group drums support for Buhari

    Modibbo Haruna Buhari Charity Organisation (BCO), an NGO, has passed a vote of confidence on President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, saying he deserves a second term.

    Mr Modibbo Suleiman-Masaka, the National Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the organisation, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Keffi, Keffi Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, on Wednesday.

    Suleiman-Masaka said that Buhari’s laudable projects had direct bearing on the lives of Nigerians.

    He also drummed support for Buhari’s re-election bid, explaining that their support was based on the president’s numerous achievements in the areas of security, corruption, agriculture and economy, among others.

    “Buhari has done a lot and is still doing his best; he deserves second term to enable him continue with the good works he has being doing for Nigerians.

    Read Also: Buhari to Osun: vote APC to shut out corrupt leaders

    “We have searched everywhere but there is no any candidate to compare him with President Buhari in 2019.

    “President Buhari had done well and is still doing well, we will continue to mobilise and drum support for his re-election bid in the interest of development.

    “It is in view of this that we as an NGO after assessing his achievements in office, we pass a vote of confidence on President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s re-election bid come 2019 ,” he said.

    Suleiman-Masaka called on Nigerians to support Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade with prayers for the success of the war.

    He also called on Nigerians to offer special prayers for peace, unity and violence-free general elections in 2019 in order to elect God-fearing leaders.

    The BOT chairman restated the organisation’s continued commitment to preach peace and harmony among Nigerians in the interest of national development.

  • Buhari to Osun: vote APC to shut out corrupt leaders

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday urged Osun State residents to save the state from returning to the “dark days”.

    Leading top members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to a mega rally for the party’s candidate in Saturday’s governorship election, Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola, the President urged the residents to renew the party’s mandate in the state.

    He told the crowd that the APC leaders were in the state to celebrate the eventful eight years of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

    He said: “We are here to thank Almighty God for the successful 8 years tenure of the APC Government in this state under the leadership of His Excellency, Rauf Aregbesola, the Omoluabi of Yorubaland.

    “We are also here to pray to Almighty God to safeguard and consolidate on this through Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola.

    “You are fully aware of this great partnership story. Oyetola is a partner, a trusted advisor, a brother and a friend to Governor Aregbesola. They have seamlessly worked together for many years serving you.

    “By electing Oyetola as your Governor, you are guaranteeing the consolidation of these successes.

    Eight years after Governor Aregbesola took the mantle of leading the business of government in Osun, the state now has excellent infrastructure for primary and secondary schools. The school that I commissioned in 2016 is one of the best schools in Nigeria. But more work remains to be done. Oyetola is ready for work.

    “Osun State has empowerment programmes to support entrepreneurs. You had school construction and rehabilitation programmess to improve the quality of education. You had hygiene, sanitation and health care programs to improve the quality of life. You had security and outreach programs that enhanced peace and stability in your communities.”

    Cautioning the electorate of the consequences of allowing those who plundered the nation’s wealth back into the saddle, Buhari said: “Nigerians kicked the corrupt and selfish leaders out of the Federal Government in 2015. And by the grace of God, the voters will continue to keep them out of leadership positions until we permanently consign their corrupt governing style into the history books.

    “Nigeria must be free of corrupt and selfish leaders. The children of all Nigerians will get quality infrastructure, education, health care and job opportunities. This is why you must all come out and vote for APC on 22nd September 2018.

    “Osun must remain APC. Osun must continue on the path of progress. Osun must not allow the dark days to return.”

    Aregbesola said that voting  Oyetola on Saturday will be rewarding hardwork.

    The governor danced and sang to the admiration of the huge crowd at the Osogbo Township Stadium. At the rally were President Buhari, 13 governors, ministers and party leaders, including National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole.

    Also there were Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Segun Osoba, and other party leaders.

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who spoke on behalf of the governors, said they would return on Friday for the election.

    The governors include, Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano) and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi).

    The leaders were cheered by thousands of enthusiastic party supporters, including traders, artisans, youths, various support groups, itinerary drummers, entertainers and students.

    On the band stand was Fuji maestro King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall 1 (KWAM1).

    It took the intervention of soldiers to keep the surging crowd at bay when new segments stormed the stadium at the middle of the rally. Yet, several hundreds of supporters were unable to enter the stadium. Vehicular movements on the major roads leading to the stadium were restricted because of Mr President and the other dignitaries.

    El-Rufai said judging by the “incredible work done in very difficult circumstances” by Aregbesola in the last eight years, they decided to stay back in the state to support Oyetola’s election for the good work to continue in the next dispensation.

    He said: “We are very proud of the achievements of the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and we are confident that the good people of Osun State will come out en masse to vote for continuity on September 22, 2018. We are confident that the progress of the last eight years will be advanced by voting for APC. So, we will remain here to support the election of Gboyega Oyetola.”

    The governor also thanked Buhari for supporting the states in various ways to meet their obligations, particularly to workers and the very poor in the society. He prayed God to strengthen him to lead Nigeria to the next level.

    Addressing the gathering, Tinubu said he could testify to the great development of Osun State by Aregbesola’s administration.

    According to him, Osun has enjoyed “eminent progress” as the governor has demonstrated tremendous amount of love to his people in the last eight years. “He has committed so much to the radical transformation of the state, especially in education, infrastructural renewal and in helping the vulnerable in the society. You have done us proud. You will now pass on the baton to another competent, tested and trusted man, Oyetola.”

    The former Lagos State Governor was also grateful to Buhari for his commitment to Nigeria’s peace and progressives ideals. He said the President, for instance, gets worried about salaries and welfare of workers and Nigerians in general, adding that he never discriminates when making decisions.

    Tinubu also pointed out that the president has grown a very thick skin against criticisms. He was confident that the party would give Buhari the victory he desired on Saturday.

    Oshiomhole also poured encomiums on Aregbesola for transforming Osun State. He recalled that the last time he came to the state was when he came to lead a workers’ strike as labour leader.

    According to him, they were able to conveniently block the roads at the time because the roads were narrow. He pointed out that Aregbesola has dualised many of the roads and beautified Osogbo, besides taking giant strides in education, health and social welfare.

    His words: “Governor Aregbesola has made a huge progress in Osogbo and Osun State at large. Governance is not a joke. We need people such as Oyetola who are prepared for this job. Let’s vote for Oyetola so he can continue from where Aregbesola stops. President Buhari, I know your deep love for helping the very poor in the society. Aregbesola’s education policies have helped children of the poor to attend good schools with free meals. This is an example of a major social welfare that you have committed yourself to, Mr President.

    “We need people with competence, who know how to manage finances and generate ideas and resources. That’s where Oyetola stands out. He had succeeded in the private sector before joining public service.

    “Don’t vote for those who will turn Government House to disco house. In times like this, we need people who have passion for their state, people of character and vision. Oyetola is an embodiment of all of these. So, I’m convinced that the people of Osun State will support Oyetola. With the innovations Aregbesola’s administration has brought to this state, only a vote for Oyetola will continue it. May we never go back in life.”

    Earlier, Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who is also the chairman of the campaign committee, thanked the leadership of the party for saddling members of the committee with the assignment. He also thanked the people of the state for the support given his committee. He assured all that Oyetola would win on Saturday as voters had been educated on the need to vote for continuity.

    The outgoing governor said his looks always confirmed that he had been working hard since he took over the governance of the state eight years ago.

    “We have changed the face of Osun State. That is why we are sure of remaining in governance through Oyetola’s election. We shall surely sing songs of victory after the election,” Aregbesola said.

    The stadium erupted in jubilation when the vehicles conveying Buhari and Aregbesola arrived the stadium at 2:25 pm. The President, who donned a white dress with a green APC agbada, alighted from his official black Lexus Sport Utility Van (SUV) at exactly 2:30 pm to a rousing welcome. Shouts of “Sai Buhari, Sai Baba!” rented the air as he headed to his seat, waving his broom, which is the symbol of the party.

    Osun ‘O’ meal vendors, members of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), Council of Iyalojas (heads of market women), support groups etc who had sat distinctly at various locations, and in their uniforms, waved their brooms to welcome Buhari, the governors and other dignitaries. So were the crowds of youths, students, artisans and other classes of supporters who trooped into the stadium to be part of history.

    Osogbo was in high spirits, in spite of a morning rain that had dampened the day. The APC insignia painted everywhere red, blue and green.

    Asiwaju Tinubu was the cynosure of all eyes before the arrival of President Buhari. He was praised by those who spoke earlier while he also took the leading position as the dignitaries made a roll, standing to welcome the president.

    Also at the rally were the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yusuf; former Interim National Chairman of the party Chief Bisi Akande; former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba; Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole; his Communication counterpart Adebayo Shittu; Minister of Interior Lt. Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd); national officers of the party; Chief Pius Akinyelure; former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo; Mrs Kemi Nelson; Sen. Ajayi Borofice; Sen. Sola Adeyeye; Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro; Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamoora; Sen. Babafemi Ojudu and Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Najeem Salam. Hon. Abike-Dabiri-Erewa was the Master of Ceremony.

     

  • NEMA’s impactful outings on disaster management

    These are indeed trying times. The floods are here again, and as usual, thousands are affected. Homes have been destroyed, farms have been washed away, and the list goes on. While it is succinct to state that just like in other climes where natural disasters such as hurricane, earthquakes, and floods have continued to wreak havoc, the responses of disaster management agencies come to bear in no small measure in cushioning effects and giving those affected a sense of belonging and a life afterward.

    And this brings us to the recent flooding experienced in some parts of Nigeria as a result of heavy rainfalls that causes rivers Niger and Benue to overflow. As at the last count, Niger Kogi, Anambra, and Delta states have been declared as National Disasters by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). It is also understood that Taraba Adamawa, Kebbi, Edo, Rivers, Benue, Bayelsa and Kwara states are being monitored carefully by NEMA.

    In this regard, I will start on a high note. The preparedness and responses by NEMA have been excellent in my opinion. I recall when the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency issued a warning that Rivers Benue and Niger had almost reached levels that resulted in flooding in 2012, NEMA issued a statement informing Nigerians on its preparedness for the flooding and it also consequently issued precautionary information to these communities.

    Now, this is why I decided to pen this article. Kogi state is among the worst hit states and as at the last time I checked, the director general of NEMA, Engr. Mustapha Maihaja has somewhat relocated to Kogi state. This was aside from the fact that he had held series of meetings with stakeholders to assess the reports from the fact-finding committees that visited flood-prone states after the warning by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency. I was more than impressed, and in my opinion, this was indeed a proactive approach and a radical departure from that norm that placed so much emphasis on reactionary activities.

    I stand to be corrected, NEMA in the past two years had indeed shown how and what it meant to have a disaster management agency in a country. This is in line with the adoption of the preventive disaster management operations introduced into the agency by the director general, Engr. Mustapha Maihaja. I also recall that sometime in 2017, while addressing the 2017 General Session of the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Cancun, Mexico, the DG was quoted as saying “support from the political leadership in Nigeria has enabled a giant stride towards ensuring appropriate actions on reducing risks, disaster preparedness, mitigation and recovery in the country. He also said the Federal Government has empowered and equipped NEMA to comprehensively manage disasters in Nigeria, with a fully functional Department of Disaster Risk Reduction already created in the agency.

    Now, this was why I wasn’t surprised and also impressed with the responses of NEMA in recent times in disaster management in Nigeria. Hear what the DG has to say: “President Muhammadu Buhari approved N3 billion for the first stages of preparedness, response disaster mitigation and it was on that note that stakeholders under the coordination of NEMA had activated a National Contingency Plan, a policy document, which gives NEMA the power to establish operational structure. An operational structure has been put in place with a National Emergency Operational Centre domiciled at the NEMA headquarters and five Zonal Emergency Operational Centres (EOC).”

    I am left in awe whenever I hear the DG of NEMA speak on issues concerning disaster management. His grasp and understanding thrill me, so much so that I have told all that cared to listen that one of the best decision of President Muhammdu Buhari was to have appointed a highly detailed and competent individual to head NEMA. And why they would always ask me.

    The reason is simple. Which category of people is mostly affected by disasters? The answer is obvious, and that is mainly why I am in praise of President Muhammdu Buhari because he has demonstrated that this is a government that is concerned about the ordinary Nigerians unlike in times past where our inefficiency in disaster management results in loss of lives and wanton destruction of properties.

    Back to the crux of the issue, NEMA’s outings in disaster management in the past two years can best be described as impactful. It is instructive to state that DG has visited almost all parts of the country that has in one way or the other experienced any form of disaster, be it human-made or natural for on the spot assessment and also leading rescue and relief operations. For example, the DG of NEMA was on the ground during rescue operations when a building collapsed in Abuja recently. He was also in Benue during the September 2017 flood that affected scores of villages in the state. And the list goes on.

    Read Also: NEMA warns of impending flooding in 12 states

    In my opinion, what this signifies or indicates is that there is a government that cares and holds that critical constituency so dearly and the need for them to feel the impact of his administration. This is even aside from the efforts of NEMA in assisting the Nigeria military in the resettlement of thousands of Nigerians that were displaced as a result of the insurgency in North East Nigeria. It also suffices to state that under this arrangement, thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have successfully returned to their communities. This is also commendable.

    The list can go on without end. But what is instructive and a takeaway from the activities of NEMA is that once there is a will, there would always be a way. This much the DG of NEMA has demonstrated with the support he has received from the political authorities. And if most political office holders exhibit this much patriotism, Nigeria would indeed be better for it.

    Adamu is a public affairs analyst and contributed this piece from Abuja

  • Lawmaker support Buhari re-election with 100 cars

    Rep. Umar Bago (APC-Chanchaga) says he will support the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor. Abubakar Bello of Niger with 100 cars.

    Bago, who stated this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Minna, said that the two leaders remained the only credible choices in the 2019 elections.

    He urged the electorate to vote for continuity in order to consolidate on the ongoing changes that would set the Nation on the path of progress.

    “President Buhari has proved beyond reasonable doubt to be honest, sincere and committed to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians irrespective of political, tribal and religious differences.

    “I am supporting the re-election campaign team of President Buhari and that of Gov. Abubakar Bello with 100 cars for massive sensitisation of the people of Niger,” he said.

    The lawmaker said the vehicles would be distributed at a grand rally tagged, “Niger Na Buhari Da LoLo Ne” in Minna.

    Bago said that the vehicles would be given to officials of the APC and other organisations to disseminate the numerous achievements recorded by Buhari and Bello.

    He said in the more than three years of the APC administration, the two have shown leadership style that Nigerians and the people of Niger were proud of.

    Read Also: Letter to President Buhari

    Bago added that the gesture was part of his support to the two leaders whom he described as worthy ambassadors of the people and the party.

    “I want to make it categorically clear that this gesture is stemmed out of my genuine love and commitment to the course of governance of our dear country and my state‎ in particular.

    ‘’There is no gainsaying the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari has in the last three years done what other presidents did not achieve within a similar period.

    “We are all witnesses to the massive infrastructural development going on in different parts of the country, especially construction and rehabilitation of roads.

    “We are also witnesses to the unprecedented development that Gov. Abubakar Bello has brought to Niger State within these few years that he got the opportunity to govern our dear state.

    “I feel that these two leaders should be supported by every well-meaning Nigerian that has genuine love for the country.

    “If for nothing, I believe we should support them so that we will continue to enjoy good governance in the next four years,” he said.

  • My heart with Buhari in 2015 polls, Says Akpabio

    Says PDP didn’t do even one kilometre road in Akwa Ibom

     

    The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio on Monday said that his heart was with President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 election despite being a member of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP).

    He spoke with State House correspondents after leading elders and leaders from his state to visit President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Akpabio, was the Senate Minority leader before his defection to the APC, in August.

    He alleged that throughout the PDP’s 16 years in office at the federal level, there was not even one kilometre road project by the federal government in his state.

    He was optimistic that Akwa Ibom will be the first state from South South that will be won be the APC in the 2019 general elections.

    Read Also: I sacrificed my Presidential ambition for Buhari – Ribadu

    According to him, what remained of the PDP in the state was mere carcass as the body and soul of the party had joined the APC.

    He said that over two hundred and sixty six thousand new members have registered with the APC after him and some other people dumped the PDP.

    He assured President Buhari that no single indigene of South South will vote against President Buhari in 2019, even as he said that there would not be any defection from the APC that will affect the chances of the party in the forthcoming elections.

     

    Details later

     

  • I believe in Buhari’s ideology – Kwara governorship aspirant

    Former deputy national chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) and associate of President Muhammadu Buhari, Saliu Mustapha on Monday said he remains in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as he believes in the leadership style of the president.

    Mallam Mustapha who is aspiring to contest the 2019 governorship election in Kwara state under the platform of the APC added that he shared the same ideological conviction with President Buhari, adding that “I have always believe in his political ideology.”

    Mallam Mustapha said this in Ilorin, the state capital at his formal declaration for the 2019 governorship election in the state.

    Said he: “Indeed, today is a milestone in my life, especially in my political sojourn. As an astute politician with vast experience of the political situation in our dear country, I have always shared the ideological conviction of President Muhammadu Buhari and I have always believed in his political ideology. We started way back APP that later metamorphosed into ANPP.

    “We got to a stage where we formed our own party, CPC through which I became the Deputy National Chairman. I was part and parcel of what we called APC today, how the merger came about and after the merger. We had people, who migrated to the party from the new PDP and today they have left and I still remain in APC. This alone is a testament to the fact that I am a committed member of the All Progressives Congress.

    Read Also: 2019: Niger Delta militants endorse Buhari

    “Some of us believe in our independence. We cannot just be seen jumping around, because our own politics is based on principles and not people who migrate from one place to the other. We have an address and we don’t intend to change address every minute. Therefore, let us look at what is before us now; see how we can take Kwara to the next level and how we can fix Kwara to make it a better society for me, you, our families and everybody.

    “However, fixing a-58 year old Kwara has been a major pre-occupation that has remained incontrovertible. Up till this moment, it is still baffling that the lofty vision of the founding fathers of our darling state of harmony is yet to be achieved; this is in spite of resources available in quantum. Without sounding hyperbolical, the state has not been managed to harnest its potential compared to other state.

    “It is against this background that we have critically and holistically assessed our situation with the belief that all hope is not lost, hence the need to let us collectively fix Kwara come 2019.”

  • Buhari urges African countries to improve ports infrastructure

    President Muhammadu Buhari has Advised African countries to improve on ports infrastructure and utilize all natural maritime endowments to facilitate trade.

    Buhari made the plea on Monday in Abuja during the first Regional Conference of International Africa Ports and Harbour (IAPH) with the theme: “Africa Ports and Hinterland Community.”

    He said that interconnectivity would improve African countries’ economic competitiveness as targeted under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

    Buhari advised that every port should have the complement of rail infrastructure.

    “To complement the improvement in trade facilitation, we have improved on upgrading infrastructure.

    “Our projection is that by the end of 2021, we will have standard gauge railway across the main North-South trading route.

    “The same level of serious attention is being given to the improvement of road infrastructure.

    “At the moment, 25 major highways and 44 roads are under construction across the six geo- political zones of the count just as we have insisted on the simulation activities on our inland waterways.

    “Major inland river channels are being dredged with adequate channel markings for ease of navigation all the way through the Eastern and Northern parts of the country.

    “That is the only way to go if we plan to remain competitive in the maritime industry.

    Read Also: 2019: Niger Delta militants endorse Buhari

    “I want to implore participants at the conference to see themselves as people opportuned to stand in positions of responsibility on behalf of Africa,” the president said.

    Buhari said that maritime sector was central to facilitation of trade and total integration of Africa for development.

    The Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, urged African countries to optimize the comparative advantage of their maritime endowments.

    Amaechi said that it should be understood that optimising maritime potential was totally dependent on efficient transportation of cargo from ports of destination into the hinterland.

    “We are therefore committed to the multi-modal system of transportation from all our ports by improving on the extension of our railways to facilitate the ease of transportation from ports to hinterlands.

    “We have started test operations in Warri and other places two months ago. We have reconstructed some railways for standard gauge to further open up the nation’s hinterlands.

    “With the development of dry ports in Kano and Kaduna, with direct rail connection, cargoes and containers now easily transmit to Northern Nigeria.

    “This also extends to Chad, Niger Republic in our determination to promote transshipment of cargoes to Niger Republic.

    “We are also partnering with the government of Niger Republic in the reconstruction of Maadi, Niger Republic, from Kano to promote regional motivation of trade,” he said.

    Amaechi said that solid minerals and some agricultural produce were already being exported from Ikorodu Lighter Terminal through Apapa port in Lagos.

    The Managing Director, IAPH, Mr Patrick Verhoven, said that Africa was the second largest and second most populous continent with six of the 10 fastest growing economies in the world.

    According to him, improving hinterland connection is not merely a matter of “hardware”.

    “It is also about investing in “software”, namely people’s skills and Smart IT with 50 per cent of Africa’s 1.2 billion people under the age of 20 and a workforce of 504 million expected by 2020,” Verhoven said.

    He told the participants to ensure that the port industry attracted the right status as well as made the best use of innovations in digitisation, stressing that the use of data was of equal significance.

    The Vice President of IAPH, Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman, said there was no doubt that “Africa holds a special space in the global space with 39 of the 54 countries on the continent endowed with littoral assets”.

    Bala-Usman, who is also the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), said that the development of the continent was to a large extent, tied to optimal exploitation of its vast maritime resources.

    According to her, determinant factors for determing ports are the speed and seamlessness with which owners of cargoes are able to move their consignments out of the ports.

    She said that Africa needed some work to be done in that area and urged participants to open their minds to speak out and learn new things that would justify the meeting.

    Bala-Usman recalled that IAPH was established to promote development of ports and create worldwide synergy for effectiveness among all member countries through strong member relationships.

    In its 63-years of existence, the association had grown into a global alliance, representing 180 member’ ports and 140 port-related businesses in 90 countries.

    NAN