Tinubu inaugurates Gateway Airport, says ‘today’s foundation is for tomorrow’s prosperity’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday, said his administration’s infrastructure development and economic reforms across all sectors are for the benefit, well-being and prosperity of citizens.

He made the assurance in Iperu, Ogun State, during the inauguration of the Gateway Cargo International Airport, built by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun. President Tinubu also launched two new aircraft owned by the new Gateway airline.

“Our investment is in our people. Infrastructure underlines our confidence in our country, the belief that today’s foundation is for tomorrow’s prosperity. Thank you all for your understanding.”

President Tinubu said Governor Dapo Abiodun has continued to demonstrate his commitment to the welfare of the citizens of Ogun State and Nigerians at large.

The President said the commissioned airport is connected to independent energy, reflecting the administration’s investments in energy.

“Development must touch all levels. I am particularly pleased with the mobility, security and agriculture initiatives implemented today,” added President Tinubu. In addition to inaugurating the new airport, it launched 1,000 electric bicycles, security vehicles and tractors.

The President commended Nigerians for their continued faith in the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said the reforms initiated have resulted in more resources for subnationals.

He said he was proud of the judicious use of development resources by state governors and commended Governor Abiodun for his visionary leadership and for aligning the state’s development initiatives with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

President Tinubu said the commissioning of 1,000 electric bicycles was a smart response by the State to modern transportation needs and that embracing technology rather than fossil fuels to improve daily lives is the way forward.

President Tinubu also commended the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for various initiatives that have improved the ease of doing business and for prioritizing the welfare of his workforce.

“Nigeria will continue to remember you. Your legacy, commitment and patriotism are highly appreciated,” the President said.

During the visit, the President launched the Customs Hub, which included a barracks, a training school, a warehouse and a hospital.

Governor Abiodun thanked the President for the visit, highlighting it as historic and symbolic of the President’s commitment to national development and confidence in subnationals as engines of growth.

Governor Abiodun lauded the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he credited with putting Nigeria on a path of economic recovery, fiscal discipline and sustainable growth.

The Governor also praised the President for his bold economic reforms, noting that the unification of the exchange rate, the elimination of fuel subsidies and the repositioning of public finances to reflect market realities have gone a long way in restoring investor confidence and attracting foreign direct investment.

“Your efforts to expand revenue through improved tax administration, digitization of government processes, and strengthening agencies have begun to address long-standing structural weaknesses.

“Other key initiatives, among others, include the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Programme, NELFUND, ongoing railway modernisation, major highway reconstruction projects including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Badagry-Sokoto Highway and all the reforms in the oil and gas sector aimed at boosting production and transparency, all point to a deliberate restoration of our national economy,” the Governor said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while commending the democratic record of the President, said the National Assembly remains a true instrument for deepening democracy in Nigeria. Akpabio argues that without Parliament there would be no democracy.

The Senate President thanked the President for several key reforms and ideas he brought to fruition.

“President Tinubu was credited as the first to start independent power plants in Lagos, a model that other states in Nigeria later adopted.”

Akpabio appealed to the President to decentralize the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for a more effective power system.

He commended the President for his strong belief in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), starting with significant growth in Lagos’ revenue and implementing reforms at the federal level to financially empower subnationals.

“This has allowed states to avoid borrowing for salaries and projects, leading to widespread appreciation by governors,” Akpabio said.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on behalf of himself and the people of the state, thanked President Tinubu for his visionary and purposeful leadership and tenacity.

“When Ogun State was created 50 years ago, I was part of the process. No one at the time would have thought that we would have what we have today. And it is because of what we got from all the governors and those who worked with all the governors,” the former president said.

Also present at the event were the Ministers of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, as well as the governors of Borno, Niger, Taraba, Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Bayelsa and Ekiti states. Traditional rulers of the state also attended the event.

*Bayo Onanuga
Special Advisor to the President
(Information and strategy).