By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said in spite of its immense economic potential, Nigeria is likely to be excluded from global business if it fails to develop core infrastructure that would position it to be a global economic hub.

Hamzat, stated this while presenting a paper at the 3rd Distinguished Lecture Series of the “Think Oyo” group, titled, “Infrastructure: A Critical Ingredient for Development.”

The commissioner noted that Nigerian transport facilities- roads, rails, ports and airports- have only limited cargo handling capacity, though Nigerians travel extensively, there are no facilities to handle high capacity plans.

Hamzat, while also stating that Nigeria has significant infrastructure deficit with a fast growing population and stunt in growth of infrastructure, urged the Federal Government to address issues of development quickly.

The commissioner noted that the infrastructure deficit has also worsened the unemployment situation in Nigeria, adding that the low quality infrastructure has resulted in such social consequences as family disintegration and social dislocation.

Highlighting the state’s experience on key projects, Hamzat said the dearth of skilled artisans such as welders has slowed delivery of projects.

He added that most skilled artisans and would-be artisans have taken to Okada riding business, a situation being addressed by the restriction on their areas of operation and the skill acquisition and vocational training centres.