President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.

The Fund is expected to facilitate effective infrastructure development across the pivotal areas of agriculture, transportation, ports, aviation, energy, healthcare, and education in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Monday, March 25, 2024.

Ngelale noted that the Fund will invest in critical national projects that will, among other things, promote growth; enhance local value-addition, create employment opportunities, and stimulate technological innovation and exports.

According to him, the objectives of the Fund are to establish an innovative infrastructure investment vehicle to attract and consolidate capital, serving as a dynamic driver for economic advancement.

He added: “Execute strategic and meticulously chosen national infrastructure projects across several key sectors, including road, rail, agriculture (irrigation, storage, logistics and cold chain), ports, and aviation, among others.

“Efficiently utilise and aggregate accessible low-interest loans such as concessionary loans and Eurobonds, supplemented by the procurement of other favourable financing options, in addition to budgetary allocations.

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“Guarantee Nigeria secures the most advantageous arrangements for financing, construction, and subsequently, operation and maintenance of the identified projects, ensuring optimal long-term outcomes for the nation.”

The presidential spokesman said the Fund will also identify appropriate approaches in its investment strategy, such as direct project financing through budgetary allocations and SPVs, co-financing (public-private partnerships) with key institutions, multilateral development institutions, as well as equity investments.

On agricultural infrastructure and food security, he said the emphasis is on the development of robust agricultural infrastructure networks.

“This encompasses the establishment of national food storage facilities, integrated irrigation systems, ranching for animal husbandry, and the enhancement of agricultural logistics and distribution,” Ngelale added.

On ports revitalisation, the presidential spokesman said the strategic thrust revolves around the rejuvenation of port facilities and associated infrastructure to streamline operations and enhance the ease of doing business.

“By modernising port facilities and implementing advanced monitoring systems, the goal is to optimize efficiency, attract investments, and bolster Nigeria’s position as a regional trade hub,” he noted.

On aviation enhancement, Ngelale said the focus is on the revitalisation and modernisation of major airports nationwide, adding that through targeted investments and infrastructure upgrades, major airports will undergo comprehensive refurbishment, including improvement in terminal facilities, runway expansions, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

On road infrastructure, the presidential spokesman listed some of the strategic projects to receive attention to include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and Sokoto-Badagry Road, among other key road projects across the country.

He said: “This is to enhance connectivity, facilitate transport efficiency, and stimulate economic growth across regions.

“On rail infrastructure, Lagos-Kano and Eastern rail lines are among the projects to be prioritised by the Fund.

“The aim is to ensure the modernisation of transportation networks, fostering interconnectivity between key urban centres, and facilitating the movement of goods and people with greater speed and reliability.”

Ngelale further stated that President Tinubu also approved that the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) be absorbed into the new Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, which, he said, will successfully eliminate identified bureaucratic inefficiencies, enhance domestic and external counterpart funding opportunities, and expedite project delivery timelines for the benefit of Nigerians.

The Star