FCT and the challenges of infrastructure

This explains why experts have identified infrastructure deficit as a major constraint to Nigeria’s development. So, to address this problem, successive governments had introduced various policies aimed at bridging the gap.That is why the administration of Senator Bala Mohammed has been working assiduously to provide basic infrastructure for residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT. […]

This explains why experts have identified infrastructure deficit as a major constraint to Nigeria’s development. So, to address this problem, successive governments had introduced various policies aimed at bridging the gap.
That is why the administration of Senator Bala Mohammed has been working assiduously to provide basic infrastructure for residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT. The world over, infrastructural projects are, by their nature, social investments, especially in developing climes like ours. That is why the World Bank’s estimate that African governments face infrastructure investment deficit annually calls for serious concern from all and sundry.
To resolve this issue, some stakeholders have canvassed for a speedy passage of the “Development  Planning and Project Continuity  Bill” currently before the National Assembly,  which would make it mandatory for every government in Nigeria to continue the implementation of projects initiated by past administrations.
When passed into law, the bill will also make development planning compulsory for all tiers of government in Nigeria as a means of creating coherence and measurable targets in developmental initiatives.
 The quality of roads, bridges, sewages, schools and hospitals built by the Senator Bala Mohammed administration in the FCT shows that he wants to make life truly meaningful for the citizenry.  In this regard, the entire FCT has been divided into districts, which have also been grouped into developmental phases.  
To solve transportation problem and reduce land racketeering in the city, the Abuja light rail and the Abuja-Kaduna railway projects have reached an advanced stage. This will also provide employment opportunities to many Nigerians.
To extend development to satellite towns and give residents a true sense of belonging, this administration has re-established the Satellite Towns Development Agency (STDA). A lot of developmental projects have been executed and more are ongoing.  
Similarly, the FCT Administration introduced the land swap policy in order to further bring development to the people through the involvement of private investors.  
The fact remains that if the current efforts of this administration are sustained, Abuja will certainly become one of the most developed capital cities in the world in the foreseeable future.
Rogers Edor Ochela is an Abuja-based media consultant.