President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the employment of 774,000 youths in government’s special public works programme aimed at cushioning the effect of economic hardship on Nigerians.
The president who announced this in his democracy day broadcast said each local government across the nation will be allotted 1,000 slots.
“As part of the strategy to create jobs in reducing the effect of COVID-19 on our youths, I directed the employment of 774, 000 Nigerians. These youths will be engaged in Special Public Works Programme aimed at cushioning the effects of economic downturn. “
“Each of the 774 local government areas in the country will be allotted 1,000 slots. I am pleased to report that this programme has commenced.”
He announced that government has continued to implement accountability and transparent policies through the Open Government Partnership and the transparency portal on financial transactions adding that the auditing and accountability mechanisms have been been strengthen to ensure that rules and regulations are followed strictly.
According to the president,the Anti-Corruption Agencies in the country have secured more than 1,400 convictions and also recovered funds in excess of N800 billion and the funds are being ploughed into development and infrastructure projects.
On major infrastructural development across the nation, Buhari said the Lagos Rail Line is 90% completed and would be extended to the Lagos Port to help address the long-standing grid-lock at the Apapa port.
“We are extending and upgrading our railway network too. We are introducing more locomotives, coaches and wagons for the Abuja-Kaduna Rail Line.
“The Central Ajaokuta – Itakpe – Warri Line has been completed and is being extended from Itakpe to Abuja on one end and from Warri Town to Warri Port on the other.
“The Kano – Maradi Single Track Standard Gauge Railway, Coastal Railway Project and Port Harcourt – Maiduguri Standard Gauge Railway, with its associated branch lines running through the South Eastern and Gombe States, industrial park and Bonny Deep Sea Port are all ready for concessioning.”
“On the 2nd Niger Bridge, piling work has been completed and the approach roads are being constructed. 48% of work on this bridge has been achieved.
“We have constructed 102km of the 376km Abuja – Kaduna – Kano Road, representing 38%, and the 42.9km Obajana – Kabba Road is 87.03% complete.
While congratulating Nigerians on the celebration of this year’s democracy day despite the threat of COVID- 19,President Buhari expressed confident that Nigeria will emerge stronger and more purposeful.
