Nigeria and the Islamic Development Bank strengthen partnership to accelerate road infrastructure, create jobs, and promote national development under Tinubu’s agenda.
The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to improving Nigeria road infrastructure through strategic partnerships with international development institutions, particularly the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
This renewed alliance is expected to accelerate the completion of major road and bridge projects across the nation, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this during a meeting with a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank Regional Hub in Nigeria, led by the Team Leader for Operations, Mr. Ibrahim Chalive.
The courtesy visit, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, focused on strengthening collaboration and financing arrangements for the Federal Government’s flagship Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects.
According to a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, discussions during the meeting centred on expanding cooperation between the Federal Ministries of Works and Finance and the Islamic Development Bank. The aim, he explained, is to design a comprehensive framework that guarantees accountability, transparency, and timely project delivery.
Umahi emphasized that road infrastructure remains central to Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda. He reiterated that the Ministry of Works is fully committed to transparent, innovative, and cost-effective project execution, ensuring that investments yield maximum benefits to the public.
“Infrastructure remains a key driver of economic growth,” Umahi said. “President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises road development as a catalyst for economic emancipation, job creation, and improved mobility of goods and people nationwide. Our goal is to make Nigeria road infrastructure a benchmark for excellence in Africa.”
The minister expressed appreciation to the National Assembly for its continuous support in approving funding for strategic infrastructure projects. He commended lawmakers for aligning legislative priorities with the executive’s vision to transform Nigeria’s transportation landscape.
Umahi also praised the Islamic Development Bank for its steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s progress, describing the visit as a “constructive step toward consolidating achievements and expanding new frontiers of cooperation.” He added that the Bank’s partnership has been instrumental in advancing national development, particularly in the roads and bridges sector.
In his remarks, the IsDB Team Leader, Mr. Ibrahim Chalive, applauded the Ministry of Works for implementing reforms in engineering design, project management, and quality assurance. He stated that these measures have improved project delivery and transparency.
“Chalive conveyed the Bank’s satisfaction with the Ministry’s ongoing reforms,” the statement noted. “He assured that the Islamic Development Bank will continue to support Nigeria through financial and technical assistance aimed at strengthening Nigeria road infrastructure and achieving sustainable national development.”
At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to establish a joint technical committee tasked with identifying priority projects and designing an action plan for effective collaboration. The team will also oversee funding mechanisms and ensure that the projects meet international quality standards.
Umahi noted that the renewed cooperation between Nigeria and the Islamic Development Bank aligns with President Tinubu’s broader economic vision to attract global investment, expand job opportunities, and modernise the nation’s infrastructure.
“This partnership,” he said, “demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to make Nigeria road infrastructure the foundation of economic prosperity and national unity.”
He further explained that the Ministry is adopting advanced construction technologies and durable materials to improve project longevity. The shift towards reinforced concrete pavements, he said, will drastically reduce maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of roads nationwide.
“The Ministry is committed to cost efficiency and durability,” Umahi added.
“We are changing the narrative by ensuring every project meets international standards and contributes directly to our goal of improving Nigeria road infrastructure across all regions.”
The Minister also acknowledged the broader impact of road development on citizens’ livelihoods. Efficient road networks, he explained, enhance access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and employment opportunities.
They also facilitate interstate trade, reduce transportation costs, and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
He credited President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to rebuilding the country’s critical infrastructure. According to him, the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a political slogan but a practical framework for reviving Nigeria’s economy and restoring investor confidence.
In her remarks, the Special Assistant to the President on Stakeholders Engagement (South-East), Barrister Chioma Nweze, described the partnership with the Islamic Development Bank as a milestone achievement in the administration’s efforts to address infrastructure deficits.
She said it exemplifies the government’s resolve to work with credible international institutions to deliver sustainable development outcomes.
Infrastructure experts have also welcomed the partnership, noting that it will provide Nigeria with access to concessional funding, technical expertise, and global best practices. They emphasized that consistent engagement with institutions like the IsDB is crucial to bridging Nigeria’s infrastructure financing gap and accelerating national development.
The collaboration, they said, would help the Federal Government address long-standing challenges in road construction, including delayed completion, poor quality control, and lack of maintenance.
With a structured partnership model, the government can ensure that future road projects are completed efficiently and deliver maximum socio-economic benefits.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing optimism that the partnership would deepen mutual trust and foster long-term cooperation. The agreement marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s quest to modernise its road network, strengthen connectivity between regions, and promote economic integration.
As Umahi reiterated, “The Federal Government’s collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank is not just about building roads; it’s about building the foundation for economic transformation. Together, we will make Nigeria road infrastructure a source of pride, progress, and prosperity for generations to come.”
More news at ireport247news
About The Author
