Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has explained what his administration spent the Paris refund it got through the Federal Government for.
According to him, his administration invested the second tranche of the Paris Club refund, in addition to the refund by the Federal Government, on Federal road projects executed by states, including the construction of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road and the Oshodi Transport Interchange.
He said the first tranche of the Paris Club refund to states approved by the President was utilised to pay the 40 per cent down-payment for the 820 buses.
“This is our report card, Mr. President. We have used your approval and releases judiciously because we believe strongly in you, in your leadership and in your vision for our country. This is our modest contribution to the growth and development of our State and to the country in general.
“Mr. President, we believe strongly that the projects being commissioned today are our own modest contributions to the national development of Nigeria. As I said earlier, these projects would not have been possible without Mr. President’s quiet but impactful decision to approve and release the payments of the Paris Club refund and the refund on Federal Road projects incurred by the States,” he said on Wednesday during the inauguration of the MMA road by President Muhammadu Buhari..
Ambode said he was fully optimistic that with the coming on board of the projects, the future prosperity of the State is secured, saying that the level of investment in the last four years in strengthening the social and physical infrastructure base of the State were becoming evident in all sectors of the economy.
“With the completion of these projects and given the level of commitment of the next administration as well as the continuous support of the Federal Government, I am assured that the immediate and future prospects of our State is very bright.
“Mr. President, Lagos State will continue to support your aspirations to move Nigeria to the Next level. The business community in the state are desirous of partnering with your government in moving our economy forward,” he said.
The President, after the commissioning, went on a bus ride with dignitaries to tour the facility and also drove through the remodeled Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road.
Also speaking at the event, Buhari commended the governor and said he had performed satisfactorily.
