*To focus on strengthening Nigeria’s economic ties

BY DANIEL IDONOR

ABUJA – THE Presidency has explained that the strengthening of Nigeria’s economic interest, through the protection of the country’s businessmen and women wherever they may be in Africa and the rest of the world, was a top priority of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The move, which came on the heels of widespread complaints and dissatisfaction by Nigerians both at home and abroad, with the country’s current foreign policy, that lays emphasis on grants and aid to its neighbours without commensurate economic benefit in return; and urgent need to review it, was one of the plans initiated by the President to grow the economy.

Speaking against the background of the recent visit of the President to Uganda, presidential spokesman, Ima Niboro, insisted that Dr Jonathan was under obligation to ensure the well-being of Nigerian economic interests wherever they existed across the world.

Niboro said while the Nigeria leader was not unaware of the growing global economic competitiveness among countries of the world, sustaining and increasing the business enterprises of Nigeria and Nigerians across the continent of Africa and beyond remained a driving force in the on-going foreign policy reforms of the President-elect.