Date: 2016-08-26

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has expressed commitment of the Federal Government to developing local capacity by using made in Nigeria items in national building plans.

Mr Raji Fashola made the statement at the 5th National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development held in Ilorin, Kwara State.

He also assured Nigerians of the government's determination to improve the power sector.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Fashola took his time to dwell on theme of the council meeting, which is "Building Adequate Capacity of Professionals, Artisans and Tradesmen in the Built Environment".

He said that building local capacity of professionals in Nigeria was part of efforts of the present administration to diversify the economy from mono-economy to multi-economy.

The minister also pointed out that there could not be capacity without opportunities, explaining that using made in Nigeria items in the national building plans, would encourage professionals in the building and construction sector to showcase their talents as well as develop the nation's economy.

He tasked Nigerian professionals on evolving made in Nigeria products especially paints, doors, keys and other building materials, assuring the them that his ministry would continue to patronise the locally made products in the building sector.

Earlier, at a meeting with the Kwara State Governor, the Minister said the Federal Government had set out road map towards expanding opportunities in the power sector to boost power supply.

According to him, the government had identified problems in the sector and resolved to increase and stabilise power supply in Nigeria.

Mr Fashola explained that the government had signed a number of agreements to develop hydro, solar and gas sources of power generation.

The minister also assured Nigerians of the determination of the Federal Government to improve the nation's roads to ensure proper distribution of goods.

Responding, the state Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, commended the effort of the Federal Government in improving power supply, assuring the Minister of the determination of the state to partner with the Federal Government in that regard.