The Federal Ministries of Works and Defence and the Nigerian Army (NA) are collaborating on a comprehensive approach to tackle the insecurity challenges confronting parts of the country through road infrastructure enhancement and expansion, it emerged on Friday.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi said the collaboration is part of the strategic and holistic security roadmap of the Federal Government.
Umahi stated this in a statement by his Spokesman, Uchenna Orji, following his closed-door meeting with the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja in office.
According to Umahi, the focus of the collaboration is on strengthening collaborations towards improving the nation’s internal security through revolutionising road infrastructure development.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing individuals with demonstrated professional expertise and a commitment to service delivery in addressing the country’s security challenges, the Minister lauded the interactive meeting as a Renewed Hope initiative that would enhance the implementation of the security roadmap under the current administration.
He also expressed optimism that the president’s interventions in revitalising the nation’s road infrastructure would contribute to a significant boost in military operations across the country.
“Yes, we have discussed certain infrastructure as it concerns my Ministry to enhance their performances, and our minds are working together.
“The main focus of Mr. President, when it comes to road infrastructure, is the interstate routes that are linked to security operations nationwide, the palliative jobs, and the roads that are linked to markets, industries, and factories, etc…
“Road is everything. If you improve the roads, you have improved security, agriculture, education, and commerce, and you have improved the happiness of people.
“And this is just what Mr. President is doing. We have started to be in the field to repair over 320 roads that Mr. President directed us to do”, Umahi was quoted as saying.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting team, COAS Lt. Gen Lagbaja also emphasised that the essence of the meeting was to discuss with the Works Minister elements of national power support to the military field operations with a focus on the role of infrastructural upgrade in the enhancement of military operations across the country.
“We have discussed extensively, and we are glad that the Hon. Minister of Works is disposed to some of the suggestions that we have made on the need to focus on some critical roads that will impact positively on military operations across the country,” the COAS was quoted as saying.
THE NATION
