Highlights from the Courtesy Visit of the Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda
Highlights from the Courtesy Visit of the Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda
Highlights from the Courtesy Visit of the Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda
Tuesday, 21st July 2026.
- The meeting commenced with introductions by the Chairman's Personal Assistant.
- The Chairperson of the Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) Arc. Ene Agada, FNIA thanked the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda for his open-door policy and willingness to engage with professional bodies.
- The APC National Chairman welcomed the delegation warmly He commended the Female Architects of Nigeria for their visit, acknowledging the vital role women architects play in shaping the built environment and national development.
- Speaking from his engineering background, he emphasized the importance of infrastructure as the foundation of economic growth and national prosperity.
Key Infrastructure and Economic Development Priorities
- The Chairman highlighted the Federal Government's commitment to building infrastructure as a pathway to achieving a $1 trillion economy.
- He explained that major investments in roads, railways, ports and energy are intended to unlock Nigeria's economic potential and improve regional connectivity.
- He referenced ongoing infrastructure initiatives including:
- Development of deep seaports to improve Nigeria's maritime capacity.
- Construction of coastal highways and major superhighways, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Badagry-Sokoto Super Highway.
- Expansion of the national road network to ease transportation across the country.
- Railway expansion to northern Nigeria.
- Gas pipeline projects designed to transport gas from the South to the North for power generation, fertilizer production and industrial development.
- Development of inland dry ports, including the proposed dry port in Maradi-Niger, to facilitate trade for landlocked neighbouring countries such as Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso
Economic Vision
- He noted that improved port infrastructure would reduce Nigeria's dependence on neighbouring countries' ports and lower import costs.
- He stressed that infrastructure development is essential for attracting investment, boosting manufacturing, increasing exports and creating employment opportunities.
- He highlighted the need to revive Nigeria's manufacturing sector, particularly the textile industry, to stimulate economic growth.
- He stated that government policies are aimed at expanding opportunities for ordinary Nigerians while improving productivity and competitiveness.
Engagement with Professionals
- The Chairman encouraged architects to actively participate in the design, implementation and delivery of national infrastructure projects.
- He emphasized the importance of local content, knowledge sharing and skills transfer in delivering sustainable infrastructure.
- He expressed the APC's readiness to collaborate with the Female Architects of Nigeria and facilitate engagements with relevant government agencies where their expertise can contribute.
Closing Remarks
- He described the current administration as pursuing evidence-based governance driven by infrastructure investment and economic transformation.
- He encouraged Nigerians to assess government performance based on completed projects and measurable outcomes.
- He thanked the Female Architects of Nigeria for the courtesy visit and reaffirmed his commitment to continued engagement with professional associations.
WAVE Foundation Africa was represented by its President, Arc. Lola Ibrahim, FNIA, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, who joined other members of the Female Architects of Nigeria delegation during the courtesy visit.