Address at the Commissioning of the New Asphalt Plant in Lagos,
22 July, 1998

I am delighted to be in your midst today to perform the formal commissioning of the multi-million naira asphalt plant procured by the State Government for the use of the Direct Labour Agency for its roads construction and rehabilitation efforts. I must commend the policy initiative that informs the establishment of this agency and the resourceful management of the outfit itself which has succeeded beyond doubts in justifying the confidence and trust reposed in it by the government and people of Lagos State.

I am informed that the plant about to be commissioned today is the biggest of its kind in Nigeria with the capacity to produce 300 tonnes of asphalt per hour. This, apart from enhancing the road development and rehabilitation exercise in the state, will also serve as a long term investment and a worthy legacy on which succeeding administrations can build upon.

As you may be aware, the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF) was established by the federal government primarily to provide the much needed succour to millions of Nigerians through the rehabilitation of social infrastructural facilities that affect the socio-economic lives of the people. Since its establishment, the PTF has made its modest contributions to the well-being of Nigerians in the areas of roads rehabilitation, provision of drugs and consumable items in health institutions, potable water supply to all nooks and crannies of the federation, public transportation, financial and material contributions to our tertiary institutions. Through all these and more, we have tried to make our impact felt.

In Lagos State, the PTF contributed more than one billion naira towards the completion of the Adiyan Water Works and other water expansion projects. In the area of road rehabilitation, the Fund has rehabilitated more than 142 kilometres of roads spread all over Lagos State at a cost of N1 billion. Notable among these roads are:

(a) The Apapa-Oshodi expressway where particular effort was made to solve the perennial flooding problems and attendant road disrepair at the Tin-Can Island section of the road;
(b) The Lagos-Badagry expressway which now wears a new look;
(c) The Lagos-Ibadan expressway;
(d) Kirikiri Road, Ajegunle, etc.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good governance involves identifying accurately the needs of the people and adopting pragmatic strategies towards meeting them. I am particularly happy that the Military Administrator of Lagos State, Colonel Mohammed Buba Marwa, from his assumption of office, has identified the major needs of the people of Lagos State in the areas of security, road rehabilitation, health, housing and has tackled all of these headlong. Within a short space of time he has become the darling of Lagosians. We are all really proud of you. The new gigantic asphalt plant which we are here commissioning today, is another evidence of Colonel Marwa’s ability to identify and execute meaningful projects. Those in the civil engineering industry will understand very well the magnitude of this investment in the provision of good road network for the state.

However, maintenance, which is the bane of our national development, must be a key watchword in the operations of this plant. I believe that Nigerian engineers, technicians and craftsmen can hold their own once given the challenge and enabling environment. The achievements of the Lagos State Direct Labour Agency have clearly demonstrated this.

I once again congratulate Colonel Mohammed Buba Marwa for his initiative in giving Nigerian engineers the opportunity to prove themselves through the establishment of the Direct Labour Agency. I also congratulate the agency for rising to the occasion.

Finally, I commend the Military Administrator, the Direct Labour Agency and the entire good people of Lagos State for this major achievement in acquiring this ultra-modern mobile asphalt plant. It is now my honour and pleasure to commission the new asphalt plant to the glory of God and the benefit of the good people of Lagos State. Thank you very much.