Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to driving infrastructural development through well-structured Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), as he participated in the Nigeria Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Summit 2025, held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, recently. This was contained in a statement signed by Maryam M. Sanusi, fnipr, Director, Information and Public Relations, FERMA.
The summit, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda,” was organized by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC). It brought together key players from the government and private sectors to chart a sustainable path for infrastructure development.
The Minister, speaking during a panel discussion, highlighted the Federal Ministry of Works’ strategic efforts to leverage PPP models in the road sector, particularly through the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI). The initiative aims to improve the quality and management of federal highways by attracting private investment.
He further emphasised the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to national interest, stating: “Our loyalty is first to God Almighty, second to Mr. President, and by extension, to the good people of Nigeria.”
Goronyo raised concerns about certain clauses found in some concession agreements, describing them as “offensive” and skewed disproportionately in favour of the concessionaires. “We can not mortgage the future of our country and that of our children. Concessionaires must come to the table with offers that create a win-win situation for all parties,” he added.
The Minister further emphasised the Ministry’s resolve to ensure that all road concessions under the HDMI framework and similar PPP engagements are fair, transparent and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He called on all stakeholders to maintain accountability and uphold national interest in the execution of PPP projects, as Nigeria looks to harness private sector capacity to bridge the infrastructure deficit.
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