By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday declared that his administration’s infrastructure drive and economic reforms are geared towards improving the well-being of Nigerians and laying a solid foundation for long-term prosperity, as he inaugurated the Gateway Cargo International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State.
Speaking during the ceremony, Tinubu said investments in infrastructure across sectors were anchored on a commitment to the people, stressing that “today’s foundation is for tomorrow’s prosperity.”
The President also launched two newly acquired aircraft for the state-owned Gateway Airline, alongside other development initiatives.
He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for what he described as visionary leadership and sustained commitment to the welfare of the people, noting that the airport project reflects strategic planning and alignment with national development priorities.
Tinubu highlighted that the facility is supported by an independent power supply, underscoring efforts to strengthen energy infrastructure.
The President said development must be holistic and inclusive, adding that initiatives unveiled during the visit—including the rollout of 1,000 electric bikes, security vehicles and tractors—demonstrate a deliberate approach to enhancing mobility, agriculture and security in the state.
He described the introduction of electric bikes as a forward-looking response to modern transportation needs, emphasising the importance of embracing cleaner energy alternatives.
Tinubu also praised Nigerians for their continued support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that ongoing reforms have increased financial resources available to sub-national governments, enabling them to undertake meaningful development projects.
He expressed satisfaction with the utilisation of such resources by state governors and encouraged sustained fiscal responsibility.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described the President’s visit as historic, saying it reinforced the Federal Government’s confidence in sub-national entities as engines of growth.
He credited the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda with setting Nigeria on the path of economic recovery, fiscal discipline and sustainable growth.
The governor said key reforms, including the unification of the foreign exchange rate, removal of fuel subsidy and restructuring of public finance, have helped restore investor confidence and attract foreign direct investment.
He added that efforts to expand government revenue through improved tax administration and digitisation were addressing long-standing structural challenges.
Abiodun further highlighted several national initiatives, including the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Programme, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), rail modernisation and major highway projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Badagry-Sokoto Highway, as evidence of a deliberate economic reset.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who also spoke at the event, commended Tinubu’s democratic credentials and reaffirmed the National Assembly’s role in deepening democracy.
He called for the decentralisation of the Transmission Company of Nigeria to improve efficiency in the power sector, while also praising the President’s emphasis on boosting internally generated revenue across states.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for Tinubu’s leadership, noting the significant progress recorded in Ogun State since its creation 50 years ago.
The President also lauded the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for initiatives aimed at enhancing ease of doing business and improving staff welfare.
During the visit, Tinubu inaugurated a Customs Hub comprising barracks, a training college, a warehouse and a hospital.
Several top government officials attended the event, including Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani, and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Olayemi Cardoso, alongside governors from various states and traditional rulers.
