Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has questioned his assertion that economist Bismarck Rewane is an intellectual powerhouse.

This was after Rewane granted an interview in which he claimed that "Between 1999 and today, no new capital project, no new highways or bridges have been constructed."

Reacting, Omokri stated that the claim "is certainly not true that "

"In fact, I am being kind. It is inaccurate. Since 1999, the Federal Government and the Lagos State government have built many such projects, and I will mention some of them.

"The Superfast 187-kilometre Abuja-Kaduna Railway was one of the most expensive capital projects ever built in Nigeria at the time, at approximately $1.2 billion. Construction began in February 2011 and was completed and commissioned on July 26, 2016.

"Work on the Loko-Oweto Bridge began in November 2011 and was completed in April 2023. It cost approximately $257 million, or about ₦51 billion at the time.

"The Olorunsogo Power Plant was conceived in 2002. Construction began in 2005 and was finished in 2007 at a cost of $650 million.

"The Ten Lane Abuja Airport Road, now known as the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua Expressway, was kicked off in 2009 and completed in 2014. It cost $1.7 billion.

"The Moshood Abiola National Stadium was a project that the Federal Government started in September 2000 and was finished by April 2003 for $360 million.

"The Lagos State Government and its private sector began building the Lekki Deep Sea Port in June 2020, and it was completed by April 2023.

"Work on the New Terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport began in 2014 and was finished in December 2018, costing $500 million.

"Construction on the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project began in 2017 and was completed in 2025 for $470 million.

"Nigeria began constructing the Omotosho Power Plant in March 2005. It was completed in 2007, although a subsequent phase 2 was completed in 2012. It cost $114.89 million.

"The Lagos State Government and its partners, the Lekki Concession Company, commenced constructing the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge in May 2009 and finished by May 29, 2013.

"I have listed ten random major infrastructural projects built between 1999 and today. There are literally hundreds more.

"I know we still have a long way to go and have not fulfilled our potential. However, as we mark our 65th Independence anniversary, it is sad that an economist of note, such as Mr. Rewane, would say something like this, which is not only inaccurate but has the potential to dampen Nigerians' patriotism and undermine democracy in Nigeria."