President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said the dark days of impunity in Nigeria are gone for good, as his administration would no longer tolerate any act that breaches the law. The President who made the statement while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS, led by Obafemi Onashile assured Nigerians that his administration will remain focused and committed to creating an inclusive and diversified economy.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari again thanked Nigerians for clearly expressing their desire to move the nation forward by supporting his reelection bid.
‘‘Let me start by thanking you for your kind prayers,’’ the President told members of the Institute, who came to congratulate him on his re-election and pledge their solidarity with his administration. Nigerians have clearly spoken of their desire for the country to move forward. On our part, we remain committed to the Change Agenda. By the grace of God, and with your continued prayers and support, the dark days of impunity are gone for good,’’ he added.
‘‘This is why in the past three years; we focused on key job-creating sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure development. You will all recall that our agriculture and infrastructure programmes contributed to our exit from the recession. This is a clear example of how, if we push ‘inclusive’ job-creating policies, growth will follow.
‘‘We will remain committed to these and other programmes to ensure the success of our nation is felt by the majority of Nigerians,’’ he said.
On the incessant building collapses across the country, Buhari warned that those responsible for such incidents of professional negligence will feel the full wrath of the law.
‘‘Young innocent lives must never be lost due to incompetence and greed. Simply put, no corners must be cut. I want to assure you that those responsible for such incidents of professional negligence will feel the full wrath of the law,’’ he said.
The President welcomed recommendations and suggestions from the Institute on how to enhance the construction industry, directing that they make a formal submission to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing as soon as possible.
Speaking at the event, the President of NIQS, Onashile appealed to the Federal Government to create a Directorate of Quantity Surveying and Projects Costs Management to address the issue of unclear delineation of professional functions amongst construction professions within the government.
A high-point of the visit was the conferment of the Fellowship Grade of the NIQS – the highest cadre of membership – on Buhari. The President was also honoured with the ‘‘Life Champion of Anti-Corruption Crusade in Nigeria’’ Award.
