President Mohammadu Buhari has promised to build a strong, sustainable
economy and reduce poverty while listing nine priority areas of his
Government, going forward.
Buhari stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while assuring Nigerians and the
international community that his administration will use the remaining
years in office to improve access to quality education, health care and
enhance productivity while listing nine priority areas.
The President, who received Letters of Credence from Ambassadors/High
Commissioners of eight countries at the State House, said efforts were
being made to sustain Nigeria’s position as a profitable investment
destination with unequaled incentives in all sectors, especially large
market and a flexible tax system which investors from various countries
can take advantage of.
The Ambassadors/High Commissioners who presented their Letters of
Credence are Hocine Latil of Algeria; Luong Quoc Thinh of Vietnam; Dr
Benson Alfred Bana of Tanzania; Traore Kalilou of Cote d’Ivoire; Abakar
Saleh Chahaimi of Chad; Jamal Mohammed Barrow of Somalia; Brahim Salem
El Mami Buseif of Sahrawi Arab Republic and Mohammed Alibak of Iran.
The President told the diplomats about Nigeria’s priority, and the need
to streamline on people-focused policies.
“In our efforts to achieve a realistic domestic and foreign policy, as
well as national development, we have identified the following nine
priority areas to guide our policy directions over the next few years.
“Build a thriving and sustainable economy; Enhance social inclusion and
reduce poverty; Enlarge agricultural output for food security and
export; Attain energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products and
expand transport and other infrastructural development.
“Expand business growth, entrepreneurship, and industrialization; Expand
access to quality education, affordable healthcare and productivity of
Nigerians; Build a system to fight corruption, improve governance and
create social cohesion; and improve security for all.”
Describing Nigerians as the “nation’s most prized assets”, President
Buhari said the nine priority mandates were already reflected in the
Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, a medium-term initiative pioneered by
the government to restore economic growth and development while
leveraging the resourcefulness and resilience of the citizens.
The President urged the diplomats to use the opportunity of working in
the country to improve relations with their governments and people.
“I have no doubt that you might have prior and in-depth knowledge of
Nigeria’s huge potential which you will hopefully see for yourselves. I,
therefore, urge you to go around the country, see things for yourselves,
and report to your home governments. This is important as you all are
representatives of both your sending and host states.”
President Buhari said Nigeria will remain steadfast in pursuing deeper
and valuable relations among nations, without discrimination.
“Nigeria strongly supports joint action to ensure a democratic and fair
world order based on strict respect for the norms of international law,
the United Nations Charter, recognition of the unquestionable value of
cultural diversity, national sovereignty, and the right of all countries
to decide their future freely, without external pressure.
“Nigeria does not divide its partners into big and small; we value and
respect every country, and with every country, we are ready to pursue
dialogue, as well as build cooperation on the basis of equality and
constructive mutual respect.
“These include our cooperation in strengthening regional, continental
and global peace and security, resolving complex issues, settling
conflicts, as well as addressing dangerous threats to mankind, among
which include terrorism, the proliferation of small arms and light
weapons, human trafficking, cybercrimes, poverty, communicable diseases,
and epidemics.”
Speaking on behalf of the Ambassadors/High Commissioners, the Ambassador
of Algeria to Nigeria said each of the diplomats brings greetings and
agenda from their home governments, but the bottom line remains to
enhance cooperation and seek advancement in mutual areas of interest.
“On behalf of my colleagues, we thank you for receiving us. We know that
your schedule is tight. As the giant of Africa, you are always focused
on resolving conflicts in the continent, while taking care of your
domestic issues as well.”
The Algerian ambassador said the African ambassadors will leverage the
opportunity to further enhance the implementation of the African
Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and learn from each other.