By Chesa Chesa
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has said President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure investments will strengthen regional trade, reduce transportation costs and transform Nigeria’s economic corridors into major growth centres.
Shettima spoke on Wednesday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where he sought a renewed mandate for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He identified the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway as a major project that would improve connectivity between the North-Central and North-East, linking agricultural and industrial centres to markets.
He said the project, alongside the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, reflected the administration’s commitment to addressing the country’s infrastructure deficit.
According to him, improved road networks would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, minerals and manufactured goods, create employment and reduce the cost of doing business.
Shettima defended the administration’s economic reforms, saying they had strengthened public finances, improved revenue generation and restored investor confidence.
He acknowledged the hardship associated with the reforms but maintained that the country was beginning to overcome its economic challenges.
On education, the Vice President said Nasarawa students were benefiting from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), while President Tinubu had approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology.
He also cited the commissioning of the Diamond New Energy Lithium Processing Plant as part of efforts to promote local mineral processing, create jobs and reduce the export of raw materials.
Shettima commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for investments in roads, education, healthcare and other infrastructure, urging residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He also called for peaceful political participation, urging supporters to reject violence during the electoral process.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, also canvassed support for Tinubu and other APC candidates.
The APC governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, Senator Ahmed Wadada, defended the administration’s economic reforms, citing ongoing infrastructure projects and growth in the capital market as evidence of progress.
Earlier, Shettima visited the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (rtd), where he conveyed Tinubu’s greetings and commended the monarch for promoting peace and unity.
The Emir wished Tinubu success in the forthcoming elections and praised Shettima for his loyalty and contributions to national development.
