By BEN AGANDE

President Goodluck Jonathan has said the economy would achieve a 7.2 percent growth rate before end of year.

President Jonathan, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the growth currently stood at 6.7 percent.

He said:  “ The level of Foreign Direct Investment is running into trillions. In terms of growth, our economy is growing at over 6.7 per cent and our projection is that by the end of the year, it could even be as high as 7.2 per cent.

“This economic growth is linked to inclusive growth, job creation, empowerment of the youths, creating opportunities within the economy. I can tell you with great confidence that the economy is doing very well indeed.”

Dr Abati called on Nigerians to support the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, saying that under his watch, the country had continued to witness peace and sustained growth in the economy.

Abati said on a Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria news programme yesterday that the decisive action by the President on the security challenge in the North Eastern part of the country through the declaration of a state of emergency in three states, had not only restored peace and order in those states but also decimated the threat posed to the territorial integrity of the country by the insurgents.

The Presidential spokesman, who spoke extensively on the successes recorded by the country’s security services as a result of the declaration of the emergency, called on Nigerians to continue to support the security services.

He said:  “Before the declaration of state of emergency, the situation in the affected states was really bad, socio-economic activities had practically ceased. There was anxiety in the communities and beyond the affected part to all parts of Nigeria.”