Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has expressed optimism about the potential increase in infrastructure and capital projects in Nigeria if the country achieves 50% of its 2024 appropriation act.
As the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum of the All Progressives Congress Party (APC), Governor Uzodinma emphasized that the 2024 budget, as outlined by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, provides a clear work plan for all governors within the APC.
The Governor made these remarks during a meeting with State House Correspondents in Abuja on Monday, following a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“If we’re able to achieve even 50% budget performance of that document, it will not be the same Nigeria,” Governor Uzodinma stated.
He acknowledged initial concerns arising from certain reform policies, such as the subsidy removal on petroleum products and exchange rate escalation. However, Governor Uzodinma expressed confidence that these policies, though initially perceived as unfriendly, would garner support from stakeholders in the coming months.
Governor Uzodinma also highlighted the peaceful yuletide season in Imo State, with no recorded cases of insecurity, and mentioned that all schools, specifically basic schools, in Imo State would resume full academic programmes by the end of January 2024 after months of shutdown.
As he prepares for his second term in office, set to begin on January 15th, Governor Uzodinma reflected on the progress witnessed in Imo State under his leadership, asserting significant achievements in various sectors of the economy. He emphasized the commitment to building on these foundations during his upcoming term.
Regarding infrastructure development, the governor disclosed plans for the dredging of Ogwuta Lake-Oharaji River in Imo State, connecting it to the Atlantic Ocean within the next 18 months.
“It is a work in progress and we hope that towards the middle of this year dredging proper will start and going by our work program, we hope that 18 months will be the proper period for the entire dredging of Ogwuta Lake Oharaji River to the Atlantic Ocean,” Governor Uzodinma announced.