President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, met with the country business community in Lagos in furtherance of his re-election campaign. He promised, at the parley, to partner more with the private sector in the provision of infrastructure in the country.
Jonathan, who spoke after some of his ministers had enumerated the achievements of his administration in the agriculture, road construction, job creation, power supply and maritime sectors, claimed that his government had tackled corruption more than any other administration.
He maintained that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has prosecuted and secured more convictions in the last five years than at any other time in the nation’s history, adding that his style is to create systems and institutions which will make it difficult for people to perpetrate graft.
Speaking at the forum, Minister of Finance, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala revealed that the president foresaw the prevailing slump in crude oil prices three years ago and directed the ministers to accelerate the diversification agenda and the move has now yielded dividends. According to her, sectors that are contributing to the national revenue are service, agriculture, industries, telecoms and creative sectors like Nollywood.
Continuing, Okonjo-Iweala said the government and the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics found out that 1.8 million jobs are needed yearly to meet the needs of Nigerians, adding that currently, the government is creating 1.2 million jobs yearly and needs the support of Nigerians to bridge the gap between the next three to four years.
Other ministers who spoke at the event tagged: “The Corporate Forum: An Interactive Forum with Mr. President”, were: Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke; Agriculture Minister, Dr. Akinwunmi Adeshina; Power Minister, Prof Chinedu Nebo; Trade and Investment Minister, Dr. Olusegun Aganga and Works Minister, Arc. Mike Onolememen.
The interactive session attracted notable personalities among who are Governors Liyel Imoke of Cross River and Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State. Some of the captains of industry in attendance are: Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Oba Otudeko, Jim Ovia, Peter Obi, Boni Haruna, Ifeanyi Uba and Atedo Peterside.
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