Terrorism: Jonathan assures international community on security

By Ben Agande

Abuja -  Against the background of recent kidnap and murder of some foreigners in the country by the Ansaru militants, President Goodluck Jonathan has  assured the international community that his administration will continue to do everything possible to enhance the security of lives and investments in Nigeria.

He gave the assurance when he received in audience a 45-member trade delegation from the United States of America.

According to the President, the Federal Government was working very hard to overcome Nigeria’s current security challenges in the country. He said  an intensive effort is being exerted by his administration  to curb terrorism and other criminal acts such as kidnapping and hostage taking.

The President also assured the delegation that his administration will continue to empower the private sector to serve as the main drivers of the federal government’s agenda for national economic growth and development.

This image released by the SITE Intelligence Group on March 9, 2013, reportedly shows the executions of seven foreign employees of the Setraco construction company kidnapped on February 16, 2013 by the Nigerian Islamist group Ansaru

He assured that Investors could be very confident of the safety of their present and future investments in Nigeria as the country already had one of the most liberal legal regimes for the movement of capital and profits.

“We welcome your interest and commitment to Nigeria. You are coming at a time when sectors previously dominated by government monopolies are being opened up to the private sector because we fully believe that that is the best way forward and the best way to create greater efficiency, employment and economic prosperity.

“You all know Nigeria’s potentials. With its very huge market and the conducive investment climate we are working hard to foster, it is a country where your companies can do very fruitful business and I assure you of the full encouragement and support of the Federal Government for your investments,” the President told the delegation.

The delegation was led by the President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa, Mr. Steve Hayes and the Executive Vice President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Ms. Mimi Alemayehou that

The co-leader of the delegation, Mr. Hayes thanked President Jonathan for his efforts to promote greater trade and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

The leader  assured President Jonathan that the Corporate Council on Africa and its members fully recognized Nigeria’s immense economic potentials and will do their best to support his agenda for national transformation.