Senate President, Dr.
Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Friday called on Government agencies at all
levels to integrate Nigerian Engineers, technicians and artisans in
their workforce when embarking on construction
projects as a way of utilizing local capacity and conserving scarce
foreign exchange.
Saraki who make the
call in his remarks before he formally flagged-off the construction of
the Dauran-Birnin, Tsaba Birnin and Magaji Kauran Namoda Roads in
Zamfara State, according to a statement by his
Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, also called on all government
agencies to use locally made equipment where possible.
He however noted that the 8th National Assembly is on the verge of passing the Federal Roads Authority bill and
National Road Fund Bill into law to promote a safe and efficient management of the nation's road
networks and open opportunities for
alternative funding mechanisms from the private sector that will guarantee
continuous improvement of the quality of roads year in year out.
Saraki said: "As we are about to begin this massive road construction, I hope that our Nigerian
Engineers, Technicians and Artisans have been and will continue to be incorporated
in the workforce at all
the different stages of construction; and that we also
employ the use locally-made equipment where
possible.
"This will boost local content and reinforce our drive
in the National Assembly for increased patronage of Made in Nigeria goods. It is expected that this avenue will provide a trickle-down effect on the socio-economic
activities of Zamfara state," he said.
The
Senate President lauded the Zamfara State Governor, Abdul'aziz Yari for
commencing the project at a period of limited resources.
He said: "Indeed, to
take up such a gigantic project in this period with such limited
resources coming into
the state makes an unmistakable statement that leadership and governance
is all about commitment to the course of lifting our people from poverty and suffering.
"No doubt, the construction of a reliable road network is one of the fastest ways of moving people, goods
and services for growth and development. This project is commendable because Zamfara state plays a very
important role in food production in Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.
"For a state which prides
itself on its large farming population, an improved road network will definitely provide more employment opportunities to the people and improve socio-economic
activities in the State. The challenges of road construction and maintenance have been a very big setback
in our quest for sustainable economic development as a Nation," he said.
He added: "I will like to thank all our party men and women who have
kept faith with this administration. The Executive arm and the
legislature are working tirelessly to ensure our economy is revived and
the fruits of development reach every citizen. We have
to join hands with Mr. President to ensure that the common man finds
comfort in this country."
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