Lagos State Government said on Tuesday it would continuously collaborate with the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works to improve road infrastructure in the state.
The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, made the promise when the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.
Goronyo was accompanied by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Chukwuemeka Agbasi, and other officials of the ministry and the agency.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of cooperation between all levels of government and assured the minister of Lagos State Government’s commitment to collaboration.
“We will always support our government at the centre, and we will also continue to work well with your ministry and the agency that you are overseeing,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“FERMA is more or less a household name here in Lagos. We know them very well. I want to say that we understand that for any government to be able to signpost and show what it has done for its people, infrastructure development is a major driver of that,” he said.
The governor noted FERMA’s different roles in the state, but said more was expected from the agency in rehabilitating more roads to reduce gridlock and enhance socio-economic development.
Speaking earlier, Goronyo reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in and delivering the infrastructure needs of Nigerians.
The minister said the courtesy visit was to strengthen collaboration between the federal and state governments on infrastructure development and urged Lagos State to continue to support the federal infrastructure projects in the state.
“We must take the issue of fixing our national infrastructure very seriously. This is an infrastructure government, and we are committed to improving the nation’s road networks and supporting socio-economic development,” Goronyo said.
“What we need from you is your continued support and cooperation. I believe whatever we solicit from you, you will give it to us,” he said.
Goronyo said the Federal Government was doing 11 road projects in different parts of Lagos, with plans for expansion. He also highlighted recent initiatives such as the commissioning of 212 solar streetlights in Isale Eko, aimed at enhancing security and boosting local economic activities.
The minister also noted the rehabilitation of a 300-metre road near Apapa, which he said had improved traffic flow and stimulated economic activities.
He urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as that would foster national prosperity.
“President Bola Tinubu’s goal is to put a smile on the faces of Nigerians. We have seen his zeal and his commitment. We have seen the doggedness with which he is pursuing the Renewed Hope agenda. We must all support him,” he said.
