Ebun Francis|
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said that Nigeria under his watch is gradually closing the infrastructure deficit bedeviling the country.
The president who made the assertion while inaugurating the new terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja also noted that the new terminal is an indication that the country is moving towards achieving global aviation standards in facilitation, passenger processing, and service delivery.
He said, “This administration recognises aviation as a catalyst for economic growth and as such will continue to encourage and support the actualisation of projects that will place Nigerian airports amongst the best in the world.”
“This event today, reflects government’s deliberate policy to sustain the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure. We are gradually closing the infrastructural deficit bedevilling our country.”
The newly commissioned terminal
Buhari noted that the terminal is the first airport terminal to be connected to rail transport system in the country.
“This has provided passengers and other airport users with a choice in the mode of transport to and from the city centre. I recall taking a ride from the city metro station to the airport on the day the rail line was commissioned,” he said.
“I wish to assure you, therefore, that government remains committed to developing Nigeria into regional air transportation hub and thereby assuming its leadership in the aviation sub sector in Africa.”
The Abuja terminal was constructed with funding from the China Export-Import Bank.