18 November 2015, Asaba – The Federal Government is to set aside $25 billion (about N4 trillion) for investment in transport and energy sectors in Nigeria.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo announced this at the 4th Niger Delta Development Forum in Asaba, yesterday.
Osinbajo said President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was committed to partnering with the private sector to reduce poverty in the country.
According to Osinbajo, the money is being set aside to empower the youths and alleviate poverty.
He said: “We will not measure how well we have performed by macroeconomic indicators but by how many millions of Nigerians we are able to bring out of poverty.
“So, collaborating with the private sector, we will impact the youths through agriculture, information technology and skills development in other areas aimed at reducing unemployment in the country.”
He urged those concerned with the development of the Niger Delta to protect and instigate development in the region.
He urged private sector operators to explore opportunities in the energy/power sector to drive the small and medium scale enterprises.
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State said although the country was passing through “turbulent times,” the region would benefit if they see it as an opportunity to diversify.
He asked the forum to provide an overview of the state of natural resource exploitation in the Niger Delta.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osinbajo was represented at the occasion by Mr Dan Abia, Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The forum, organised by PIND Foundation, in partnership with USAID-Nigeria, had “Collaborative Efforts for Stimulating Investment and Inclusive Economic Growth in the Niger Delta,” as theme.
- NAN