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From Magnus Eze, Enugu
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that the federal government was open to interested multilateral agencies desiring to tap into the opportunities within the road sector of Nigeria’s economy and expand national development.
Delivering the 20th Convocation Lecture of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Agbani, on Thursday, Umahi said that the road sector promises tremendous rewards for investors with financial capacity, technical wherewithal and the institutional framework to do business with the government.
According to the minister, transforming Nigeria road networks required multifaceted approach, addressing funding policy, technology and capacity building challenges.
Represented by the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the former governor opined that by leveraging prospects and implementing effective strategies, Nigeria could boost economic growth, improve livelihood and enhance national competitiveness.
Umahi, an ESUT alumnus, spoke on the topic: “Transforming our road networks for national development: Challenges and prospects.”
He commended the university for its giant strides over the years especially in the area of engineering education. Former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, chairman of the event, applauded Umahi for delivering a convocation lecture of international standard, saying that he handled the issue with the precision of an engineer.
Highlighting some achievements of the university, Okolie said that the National Universities Commission (NUC) accredited over 97 per cent of its programmes.
He identified the challenges facing the institution to include funding deficits, poor road infrastructure and inadequate municipal services, such as epileptic power supply and poor reticulation of water from the existing boreholes.
