The Nigerian Government has reassured the international community of the safety of all participants during the World Economic Forum for Africa Meeting scheduled to hold in Abuja in June, 2014.
The Supervising Minister of National Planning, Bashir Yuguda, who made this known at a briefing in his office recently also expressed gratitude to the international community for the implicit confidence reposed on the country and its economy; adding that Government is doing its best to protect its citizens as well as foreigners.
He further noted that the Security Sub-committee of the Local Organising Committee is receiving all required attention because the country places high premium on the security of lives and property of Nigerians. According to him, the Security Sub-committee of the Local Organising Committee is headed by the Inspector-General of Police which depicts the importance the country attaches to the safety of the delegates who are being expected. He added that it is Government’s responsibility to ensure the safety of all Nigerians before, during and after the event.
The Minister explained that President Goodluck Jonathan has given all the necessary support towards realizing a successful hosting of the event. “The Minister has met with the Inspector-General of Police where he confirmed that all security arrangements have been put in place. Nigeria is guaranteeing the security of all the delegates and we shall do our best as a nation to ensure that the event holds without hitches. It is our responsibility to protect the lives of all the delegates coming. The President is on top of the situation and has given all the support needed to ensure the success of the event,” he said.
He further recalled that the Nigerian President did host a seminar on security which was attended by many African Heads of State and other international leaders; stating that it underscores the importance which the President attaches to security.
Bashir Yuguda mentioned that Nigeria stands to benefit economically from hosting the event, stressing that the essence is in line with the Government’s Transformation Agenda. He emphasized on the need to create conducive environment for the private sector to develop; attracting more foreign direct investment as well as maintaining and sustaining economic progress for Nigeria; describing these as interests which coincide with the aspirations of the World Economic Forum.
He described as instructive the theme of the forum which is on ‘increasing growth and job creation.’ Adding, it aligns with what the President is doing to make the country’s growth inclusive. He also commended the World Economic Forum for issuing a statement to indicate that despite Nigeria’s security challenges, they are going ahead with the event because of their confidence in the country’s system.
“We are hoping that this will be the best World Economic Forum which Africa has ever had. Nigeria has already hosted many international events this year, including the Security Summit chaired by the President; the 12th Plenary of Innovative Financing for Development as well as the Meeting of African Ministers of Planning and Finance,” the Minister iterated.
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