The current Minister of Works and Housing Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) started by commending the work Pastor Poju is doing with The Platform.

The convener in his first question asked about tax credits, RITC (road incentive tax credit) made available for road projects yet no significant progress on road development. Mr Fashola sounded positive in his response claiming that there has been some traction. He mentioned that Apapa Oworonsoki road, Boni road, and a few other roads in Nigeria, which are already gulping in a lot of resources already, are using the tax credit.

Pastor Poju alluded to the assessment retreat held not too long ago and asked him about the Performance and assessment of his own ministry, ministry of works and infrastructure. He corrected the impression about the assessment retreat held not too long ago saying that no individual ministry can do its work effectively without the collaboration of other ministries. He clarified that the focus of the retreat was to access the priority areas of government. The retreat revealed that the programs and plans of government were on track and that was as a result of the collaborative effort of all ministries.

In response to the question about performance at the federal level compared to when he was Lagos State government. He stated in his conversation at The Platform 2020, that the government capable of transforming the nation are the government that is closest to us (the citizenry) and they are the States, Local Government Chairmen and the Councilors. Going forward, citizens must pay attention to who becomes the State Governors, Local Government Chairman and Councilors more than we pay attention to the president. These governments are meant to be closer to the people and their key role is what the citizens demand from the presidency.

Our infrastructural development deficit is as a result of our negligence to investing in infrastructures after the oil boom in the ’70s that birthed projects like the National Art Theatre, FESTAC 1977, and a couple of other infrastructures. After major development was done during the oil boom as a nation we have been under-investing in social infrastructure, the Minister affirmed. The good news is that this current government is doing massive projects that will cover for these gaps leading to an increase in employment and wealth distribution across the nation. Lawyers are engaged in agreements, Miners, Doctors, Engineers, and other forms of skilled labour. 671 roads and bridges are currently constructed nationwide

Government over the world takes personal responsibility for social infrastructure. While Pubic Private Partnership is welcomed, it is not economically viable. Twelve major roads are under highway development management initiative. Private sectors operators are spoken with through Lagos business school, technocrats are invited and the national assembly is communicated with to get buy-in in order for this project to fly.

He also spoke about the plan to set up a proper food Agric store to discourage food purchase from the side of the road. He noted that this will take a period of time and citizens are encouraged to bear with the government.

When asked on how to fix the nation in the shortest time, a catalyst to rapid growth, Mr Fashola believe we all can be leaders in very small ways, commending the convener of The Platform on the leadership role he has taken on driving engagement. In his words, “we all have to be leaders without titles. We all must take conscious decision to go beyond problem identification to fitting our own roles in solving them.”

Every Nigerian has his duty clearly spelt out in the constitution especially section 24; we all have sufficient knowledge about our rights but how many of us know the rights we owe to the country in section 24 of the constitution. These are the things that can help us revamp the nation and take it to a greater place we all aspire to be.

In his closing point, he emphasizing on how 60 is a short time compared to other countries of the world like Greece, Malaysia, etc., we still are young at heart and have a lot to cover up.