Buhari assures international community of a secured environment for investors 

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the international community that his government will protect Foreign investments alongside investors. He also declared that Nigeria is open for businesses around the world.

” We are open for business. We invite those who are ready to come to invest in Nigeria. We will protect their persons as well as their investments” the President at the cocktail with members of the Diplomatic Corps at the courtyard of the President’s residence.
The country, he said would take the necessary steps to overcome new and old challenges, enhance national unity, internal cohesion and ultimately, “give our country the image that will be a pride to our people, our friends in Africa and beyond”.
Nigeria is currently faced with security issues amidst attacks perpetrated by the Boko Haram sect. The country which had oil resources as its main source of revenue, is also facing economic challenges in the face of dwindling oil prices.

The President noted that efforts put in place to combat the security situation in the North- Eastern part the country was yielding a dramatic improvement as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)  were gradually returning to rebuild their homes, communities and livelihood.
He said government is aware that the war on terror will not, and cannot be won by military means alone and was considering “a soft approach that speaks directly to the human mind”.  This would involve dealing with issues of poverty and hunger as this not only incapacitates, but lead to desperation. “We are also aware that poverty and marginalization, amongst other factors, can easily create room for indoctrination and co-option into violent extremism.
“Accordingly, we are paying attention to those economic programmes that will lead to empowerment of the people and thus provide an alternative lifestyle of fruitful engagement rather than resort to extremist and terrorist activities. Job creation and provision of quality education are key areas that are already receiving our attention” .
The President also said his government  was are resolved to build a stable and prosperous country, that is inclusive of all her diverse peoples and a country that is at ease with itself. “Building such a country will not be possible where corruption is pervasive” he said adding that “so long as corruption holds center stage in the affairs of Nigeria, the country will continue to suffer incalculable harm”

He declared that he will leave no stone unturned in the efforts to rid Nigeria of corruption adding however, that his government would in doing this, operate within the ambit of the law.
Dean of the Diplomatic Corp Saladeen Abbas, earlier in his remarks congratulated the President and Nigeria for the peaceful elections last year. He said the turnout of the members of the corp was a testimony that they loved Nigeria and “Baba Buhari”.
He said having observed with keen interest the President’s resolved to fight corruption and insurgency, they are happy to note that his efforts were yielding fruits. He noted that the recovery of looted funds will boost development in the country, even as the whole world was willing to cooperate with his government.

 

Elizabeth Archibong