Ben Agande, Abuja.

Despite the remarkable improvement in  Nigeria’s economic outlook recently, the Honorary International Investors Council, HIIC, has warned that the gains would be lost unless decisive steps are taken by the federal government to check act of terrorism in the northern part of the country and oil theft in the southern parts of the country.

Coordinator of HIIC, a body that advises  President Jonathan on building positive image to attract international investors into the country, Lynda  Chalker,  told state house correspondents after meeting with president Jonathan that Nigeria would face stiff competition from other African countries with equal endowments in natural resources.

According to her, though the country’s economic outlook appears positive, but was  being threatened by terrorism and internal security.

She said the HIIC had a very successful planning and up to date  interactions with President Jonathan  ahead of the June meeting, said further discussions will be needed on how to bring an end to terrorism, oil theft and other social-economic challenges.

“We will be having further discussions and also seeking to bring about an end to oil theft in the delta which is critical for the country and they are critical for the way in which the country is viewed  abroad. So it was a planning and update meeting and it was a very positive meeting”

“My company helps to run the international investor council and we should be having another meeting in the middle of the year in Abuja. So, it was partially to talk about some of the issues that will come up” she said.

Speaking on the achievements recorded by the Federal Government in the area of infrastructural development, Chalker described infrastructure as critical in attracting both local and foreign direct investments as they help to boost the investors confidence in the economy.