Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of Lagos state, has described Aliko Dangote, billionaire businessman, as the best solution to public infrastructure.
The governor said this at the commencement of the reconstruction of the Apapa-Oshodi expressway.
Dangote and the federal government had entered an agreement for the businessman to construct the road.
Ambode said the reconstruction of the would bring permanent relief to motorists and residents.
“Whatever it is that has been taking place in this particular project has always been rehabilitation and every Nigerian should be reminded that this road has been in place for more than 40 years,” the statement said.
“This is the first time the government at the centre is embarking on reconstruction, that means we are going to excavate everything all the way from Apapa, Oshodi to Oworonshoki and Ojota expressway and actually reconstruct it, using concrete instead of asphalt because Lagos is below sea level, if you use asphalt, within seven to eight years, it would wash away because we are under water.
“So the concrete template is being used to give us a long lasting solution to this Apapa gridlock and this road will last for more than 40 years and we believe strongly that the PPP platform that has been given to this project to allow the private sector invest their money in it being driven by Alhaji Dangote is the best solution that we can use to develop public infrastructure right now and we must commend the minister for that.”
He also thanked the federal government for approving the construction of the Agbara Seme expressway, saying the state government is committed to completing the ongoing works from Eric Moore to Okokomaiko.
The governor said beyond road reconstruction, emphasis must be placed on evolving a workable interconnectivity of rail, road and water transport systems, while commending the federal government for taking steps towards that effect.
