President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday asserted that his administration’s economic reforms and infrastructure development across all sectors are fundamentally aimed at ensuring the well-being and prosperity of Nigerian citizens. Speaking at the inauguration of the Gateway Cargo International Airport, built by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration in Iperu, Ogun State, the President declared, “Our investment is about our people. The infrastructure underscores our faith in our country, the belief that today’s foundation is for tomorrow’s prosperity”.
The commissioning event saw President Tinubu launch the new airport, two aircraft belonging to the new Gateway Airline, 1,000 electric bikes, security vehicles, and tractors. He noted his particular satisfaction with the mobility, security, and agricultural initiatives being fulfilled. The President also highlighted that the commissioned airport is connected to an independent power source, reflecting the administration’s investment in energy.
President Tinubu commended Governor Abiodun for his commitment to the well-being of the state’s citizens and praised his visionary leadership for aligning Ogun State’s developmental goals with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He also lauded the commissioning of the 1,000 electric bikes as a “smart response” to modern transportation needs, advocating for embracing technology over fossil fuels to improve daily life.
In addition to the state projects, the President also launched the Customs Hub, which comprises barracks, a training college, a warehouse, and a hospital. He commended the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for initiatives that have enhanced the ease of doing business and prioritised the welfare of his workforce.
Governors, Senators Laud Reforms
Governor Abiodun thanked President Tinubu for the historic visit, describing it as symbolic of the President’s commitment to national development and his belief in sub-nationals as engines of growth. The Governor credited the Renewed Hope Agenda with placing Nigeria on a path of economic recovery, fiscal discipline, and sustainable growth.
He specifically lauded the President’s “bold economic reforms,” including the unification of the foreign exchange rate, the removal of the fuel subsidy, and the repositioning of public finance. According to Governor Abiodun, these actions have successfully restored investors’ confidence and attracted foreign direct investment. He also mentioned key initiatives such as the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Programme, NELFUND, ongoing Rail Modernisation, and major highway reconstruction projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the President’s democratic history, stating that the National Assembly remains a vital tool for deepening democracy. He credited President Tinubu with being the first to initiate Independent Power Plants in Lagos, a model since adopted nationwide. Akpabio also lauded the administration’s reforms to enhance Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which have financially empowered sub-nationals. However, the Senate President used the occasion to appeal to President Tinubu to decentralise the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for a more effective power system.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on behalf of the state’s people, thanked President Tinubu for his “visionary and purposeful leadership and tenacity”.
The event was attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; the Governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso; and the governors of Borno, Niger, Taraba, Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Bayelsa, and Ekiti states.
