President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to spend more on infrastructure across the country and focus on finishing projects that can create jobs for thousands of Nigerians.
The president made the pledge at the virtual inauguration of the new headquarters building of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
He said the iconic 17-storey building, known as the Nigerian Content Tower, with the full complements of a 10megawatts Power Plant and 1000-seater Conference Centre.
Buhari said the project reflects his administration’s drive to provide infrastructure across the country to attract investments, create jobs and eradicate poverty.
He expressed;
With the commissioning of this project, I want to highlight that we have put in place a landmark of reference in the Niger Delta to reflect long lasting legacies that signpost the years of oil and gas exploitation and I assure you that there is more to come.
Buhari noted with delight that thousands of direct and indirect jobs were created during the execution of the project in addition to the various business opportunities.
He stressed;
This commissioning brings to the fore the importance of local content in all activities of our national life especially with the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. I believe strongly in local production and patronage of our goods and services as one of the surest ways to empower our citizens and give them viable opportunities to excel in their chosen professions and business endeavours.
The President added;
That is why two of the Executive Orders issued under our government are related to enforcing local content in public procurement and contracts to further replicate the successes being realized in the oil and gas industry. Local Content and Self Reliance are key principles of the recently approved 2.3 trillion Naira National Economic Sustainability Plan. The plan is aimed at the promotion of local production, local services, local innovation, and the use of local materials.
Buhari commended the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, the Chairman and members of the Governing Council, as well as the management and staff of the Nigerian Content Board for the achievement.
See some photos of the Tower below;
