Date Published: 08/15/11

We are working to boost employment -President Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has said Government was developing a clear policy that would require a certain category of imports to be produced locally, in order to boost employment.

President Jonathan was talking to the out-going Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Toshitsugu Uesawa, during a farewell visit to State House, Monday.

He said, “we are considering such a policy in order to develop the economy, generate more employment, and thereby improve the purchasing power of Nigerians”, adding that this would result in even higher production by the affected manufacturers.

President Jonathan said there were so many Japanese products in Nigeria, especially motor vehicles, and invited the manufacturers to take advantage of the large market by setting up their factories in the country.

He recalled his visit to Japan for the Tokyo International Conference on African Development and expressed appreciation to the out-going Ambassador for hard work during his tenure in Nigeria.

Earlier, Mr. Toshitsugu Uesawa said he enjoyed the cooperation and friendship of the Government and people of Nigeria during his nearly four-year stay in the country.

He said he was privileged and “proud” to witness Nigeria’s successful elections, as well as many other developments in the country during his tenure.