President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday night held a closed-door meeting with senators after hosting a dinner in their honour at the new Banquet Hall of the State House.
Speaking shortly before excusing the media, the President lamented the poor state of Nigerian roads, saying concerted efforts must be deployed to boost infrastructure across the land.
Therefore, he made a special appeal to members of the Senate to assist his government in concentrating on the problem of infrastructure such as rail, road and power.
Specifically, he enjoined the various Senate committees to look at the various agreements the nation had entered into in the last six years and see where Nigeria is defaulting in in terms of counterpart funding.
While stressing that the drop in the price of oil was affecting the nation’s economy negatively, Buhari noted that life would be much easier for the masses if the railway could work perfectly.
President Buhari spoke further: “The roads are dead.
“Those who drive between Lagos and Ibadan will have a lot of stories to tell you.
“Those who drive from Kaduna to Jebba may have more stories to tell.
“The same thing is applicable to the East West Roads.”
Buhari thanked the Senate for the prompt confirmation of ministerial nominees, calling on them to treat the nation’s budget with the same sense of urgency.
His words: “We are enjoying tremendous goodwill outside this country.
“Whatever we do, let us have it in mind that people have confidence in this government.”
The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, admitted that the challenges ahead are enormous.
Saraki said he believes that when God gives a man a position, He would also equip him with the capacity to carry out the task.
Saraki assured the President that national issues would be treated without sentiments under his watch, adding: “Petrol does not know APC or PDP.
“We will always work hard in the interest of the country in everything we do.