ICRC boss says PPP critical in tackling Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit
NAN-HE-14
Investment
By Shuaib Sadiq
Kaduna, March 1, 2017 (NAN) The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) on Wednesday called for more Public Private Partnership (PPP) to fast track infrastructure development in the country.
The Director General of ICRC, Aminu Dikko made the call on Wednesday at a Business Round Table organized by Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) in Kaduna.
The Business Round Table discussion, with the theme, `Overcoming Nigeria’s Infrastructure Challenge: The Public Private Sector Approach’ is part of activities of the 38th Kaduna International Trade Fair holding in Kaduna.
Represented by an official of the commission, Mr Chidi Izuwah, the ICRC boss said that infrastructure including Road network, Rail and Airports were basic services needed for national development.
According to him, Government at all levels needed to provide the enabling environment and the policy framework that would attract both local and foreign investments into the country.
He said Nigeria must put proper value to its vast land resources, in order to add value to the citizens.
Dikko stressed that no government in the world can provide adequate funding for its infrastructure services without active participation of the private sector.
He, however, lamented that most Nigerians were reluctant to push for efficient service delivery.
“Nigerians must be active and be interested in the politics and the economy of the country by holding leaders to account for every fund and finances appropriated for public use.”
He said that it is the only way to ensure inclusiveness in governance and economic development of the country.
He urged the chamber to partner investors to put its landed property under proper use through concession.
Earlier, the President of the KADCCIMA, Dr Muheebah Dankaka said the topic was deliberately chosen to spark debate on the urgent need to address the nations nagging infrastructure deficit.
Dankaka said the chamber was making effort to attract both foreign and local investments into small and medium enterprises and the agricultural sector.
She said the effort was in line with the Federal Government policy of diversifying the nation’s economy for faster development.
Dankaka said the Chamber was ready to partner investors in the area of agriculture sector, small and medium enterprises, to create employment for youth and women especially in the northern region.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presentation generated discussions from participants who represented various sectors of economy. (NAN)
SSA/MZA
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed