By Francis Akinnodi

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An economic analyst has said that access to reliable quality, efficient, and affordable infrastructure is critical to reducing poverty, promoting economic growth, supporting social development and building resilient communities.

A lecturer at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Professor Afolabi Aribigbola made this known recently, while speaking with The Hope on the theme, “Addressing infrastructure deficit through zonal intervention projects”.

He said, “Unfortunately, many of the global population lacks access to basic physical infrastructure including good roads, pipe-borne water supply, improved sanitation and electricity.

He noted that these services may be unreliable, imposing constraints on human health, quality of life, education and employment, particularly in the rural areas.

“The dearth and decay of infrastructure in Nigeria certainly affects the social economic well-being of its citizens.

“Investment in infrastructure would help the nation increase its wealth and its citizens standard of living.

“Improved infrastructure produces abundant benefits for the economy, unlocking growth and generating economic stability.”

He said to redress deficit in infrastructure requires better understanding of the existing situation in terms of the magnitude of the deficit as well as the pattern of the deficit in terms of distribution.

Aribigbola called for urgent need to reinvigorate Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs) by insulating it from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He urged governments at all levels to be committed to the development and reposition of the infrastructure deficit of Nigeria, which he said would develop the economic stability and improve the standard of living of the people.