Iheanacho Nwosu, Abuja
Federal Government yesterday, said it has expended over $9 billion on road construction and other infrastructure in the last three years.
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who stated this also declared that contrary to claims in some circles, the government has made every part of the country safe. He spoke in Abuja at a news conference to herald the 61st meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Commission (UNWTO).
The body is organising a two-day global tourism conference and exhibition which will take place today. A total of 166 foreign delegates including 26 ministers are billed to attend the August event, emphasising that the incumbent administration has done so much to improve infrastructure in the country.Mohammed submitted that unlike previous administrations, the Muhammadu Buhari Government has spent a huge amount of money running into trillions of naira to construct and upgrade roads and other infrastructure across the country in the last three years.
Specifically, the minister said the government has spent over $9 billion on roads and other infrastructure. “This administration over $9 billion in three years on roads and other infrastructure”, he said.
Describing the UN cultural/tourism conference as important to government, Mohammed said the global event is holding in Nigeria because the administration has made the country safe.
He stressed: “Permit me to most sincerely thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his invaluable support, without which this event would not have been possible. Thanks to the successes recorded by this administration in fighting insecurity, the reason we are holding this global meeting here.”
He contended: “Four years ago, hosting this event in Abuja would have been a pipe dream, considering the level of insecurity. Remember that Boko Haram carried out many deadly attacks in this capital city. That is now history” he said.
“Nigeria is safe and secure for its citizens and for foreign tourists and investors. Whatever pockets of criminal acts that exist are being addressed squarely.”
He said the objective of hosting the event was to put tourism in the front burner stressing that it will help in convincing to buy into the business of tourism .
The Minister explained “We are all set to host the best UNWTO-CAF Meeting ever! All the necessary preparations have been made to ensure this. The main committee, as well as the many sub-committees, have worked tirelessly to make this event a huge success. We also expect an impressive attendance.