President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in his broadcast on Thursday to mark the May 29 Democracy Day in Nigeria, stated that the country has recorded significant improvements under his administration.
“On my watch, we have witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services,” the President said in his nationwide broadcast on Thursday.
He also noted that Nigerians have every reason to celebrate the day, though on a low key, because “democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions,” which he believes “our people are the better for it.”
Speaking further on his achievements so far, Jonathan explained that “in the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled personnel.”
He added that, “significant increase in mobile telephone and national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy. We have also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints.”
Jonathan also said that, “Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged in Abuja early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa,” pointing out that, “the event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few years.”
“In foreign relations, our country has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This has helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in multilateral institutions including the United Nations,” he also highlighted.
On the abducted Chibok schoolgirls, Jonathan assured of the safe rescue of the girls, stating that his government is working towards this.
Nigeria Has Grown Under Me–Jonathan Boasts http://t.co/tjx0KmJMAK