….wants multi-nationals to set up plants in Nigeria
BY DANIEL IDONOR
ABUJA-PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday announced that Nigeria’s foreign investment policies were due for a comprehensive overhaul, as part of deliberate attempts by government to grow the economy and generate employment for the youths.
The President stated that the Federal Government would soon commence a review process of some of the economic policies to facilitate growth and development.
The President gave this indication when he had an audience with some Heads of State and Government in Abuja. The visitor were in Nigeria for his inauguration.
Specifically, President Jonathan, who began a fresh four years mandate on Sunday, disclosed that one of the reviews being proposed was to encourage and persuade manufacturers whose products were largely consumed in and by Nigerians to, as a matter of national and economic priorities, establish plants in the country.
He said government would encourage such multinational business concerns to start production in Nigeria immediately, as part of his economic agenda for Nigerians.
President Jonathan said Nigeria was ready to improve and enhance her bilateral, multilateral relations with the rest of the world.
In the area of rail transportation, Jonathan specifically assured the Chinese government of further collaboration to ensure that the rail system became fully operational, so as to ease the free and easy movement of goods and people across the country.
He also promised to strengthen bilateral relations with Kuwait to boost Nigeria’s energy sector, stating that both countries had common interest in the oil sector.
According to President Jonathan, “no matter how good a leader is, he must pass through a clean and clear democratic process.”
He said his commitment for free and fair elections was borne out of the desire to allow the will of the people to prevail.
The leaders, who took turns to meet with the President, assured him of collaboration and support to ensure his tenure marked the beginning of a new dawn, renewed friendship and solidarity between Nigeria and their countries.
They acknowledged Nigeria’s leading role both in Africa and in international politics and expressed the desire to see Nigeria took up a permanent seat in UN Council.
They congratulated Nigeria for the successful inauguration held Sunday, and commended President Jonathan for fulfilling his promise of ensuring free and fair elections in the last polls.
Those he met with included Liberian President, Mrs. Ellen Johnson -Sirleaf; Trinidad and Tobago, George Maxwell; Burundi Vice- President, Gervais Rufyikiri Gervai and His Zambian counterpart, George Kunda. Others are Special envoys from North Korea, Morocco, Kuwait and China
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Jonathan moves to review foreign investment policies