Governor says engaging local contractors will boost economy

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday said engaging local contractors for development projects would grow the economy and help the country overcome the current recession.

Ambode spoke through his Special Adviser on Urban Development, Mrs Yetunde Onabule, at the commissioning of Adebimpe Road in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area.

The governor said that the level of work done by the 89 indigenous contractors in the construction of the 114 roads by the State Government was a way of creating jobs for residents.

“With the quality of work done and the time frame used in achieving it, it will further boost the confidence of government in our local contractors, rather than foreign companies.

“Using indigenous companies in executing various government contracts may be the way out of the current recession Nigeria is experiencing,” Ambode said.

He advised all and sundry to patronise made in Nigeria products and indigenous companies so as to encourage and internalise the benefits of investment and infrastructure.

The governor said the contractors were picked through a bidding process in line with international best practices.

He commended the contractors for delivering on the projects and demonstrating the capacity of the construction industry in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Balogun Oyero street was also inaugurated in the area.

On his part, the Sole Administrator of the Council, Mr Abdul Adewale, thanked the governor for keeping to his electoral promise, saying the council had also embarked on various projects to complement his efforts.

He urged residents to desist from dumping refuse in the drainage, and avoid trading or washing on the roads.

Oba Isiaka Oyero of Ketu Land also commended the governor for the development and charged residents to make good use of the roads.

The monarch called for the upgrade of the pedestrian bridge at Ketu bus stop to the standard required of a mega city.

A cross section of the residents commended the state government for the development with a call for continuity of inner roads rehabilitation every year.