President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja
assured Nigerians and the international
community that his administration will use the
remaining years in office to improve access to
quality education, health care and enhance
productivity, while listing nine priority areas.
The President, who received Letters of Credence
from Ambassadors/High Commissioners of eight
countries at the State House, said efforts were
being made to sustain Nigeria’s position as
profitable investment destination with unequalled
incentives in all sectors, especially large market
and flexible tax system which investors from
various countries can take advantage of.
The Ambassadors/High Commissioners who
presented their Letters of Credence are: Hocine
Latil of Algeria; Luong Quoc Thinh of Vietnam; Dr
Benson Alfred Bana of Tanzania; Traore Kalilou of
Cote d’Ivoire; Abakar Saleh Chahaimi of Chad;
Jamal Mohammed Barrow of Somalia; Brahim
Salem El Mami Buseif of Sahrawi Arab Republic
and Mohammed Alibak of Iran.
The President told the diplomats about Nigeria’s
priority, and the need to streamline on people-
focused policies.
“In our efforts to achieve a realistic domestic and
foreign policy, as well as national development,
we have identified the following nine priority
areas to guide our policy directions over the next
few years.
“Build a thriving and sustainable economy;
Enhance social inclusion and reduce poverty;
Enlarge agricultural output for food security and
export; Attain energy sufficiency in power and
petroleum products and expand transport and
other infrastructural development.
“Expand business growth, entrepreneurship and
industrialization; Expand access to quality
education, affordable healthcare and productivity
of Nigerians; Build a system to fight corruption,
improve governance and create social cohesion;
and improve security for all.’’
Describing Nigerians as the “nation’s most prized
assets’’, President Buhari said the nine priority
mandates were already reflected in the Economic
Recovery and Growth Plan, a medium-term
initiative pioneered by the government to restore
economic growth and development while
leveraging the resourcefulness and resilience of
the citizens.
The President urged the diplomats to use the
opportunity of working in the country to improve
relations with their governments and people.
“I have no doubt that you might have prior and in-
depth knowledge of Nigeria’s huge potential
which you will hopefully see for yourselves. I
therefore, urge you to go around the country, see
things for yourselves and report to your home
governments. This is important as you all are
representatives of both your sending and host
states.’’
President Buhari said Nigeria will remain
steadfast in pursuing deeper and valuable
relations among nations, without discrimination.
“Nigeria strongly supports joint action to ensure
a democratic and fair world order based on strict
respect for the norms of international law, the
United Nations Charter, recognition of the
unquestionable value of cultural diversity,
national sovereignty, and the right of all countries
to decide their future freely, without external
pressure.
“Nigeria does not divide its partners into big and
small; we value and respect every country, and
with every country we are ready to pursue
dialogue, as well as build cooperation on the
basis of equality and constructive mutual respect.
“These include our cooperation in strengthening
regional, continental and global peace and
security, resolving complex issues, settling
conflicts, as well as addressing dangerous
threats to mankind, among which include
terrorism, proliferation of small arms and light
weapons, human trafficking, cybercrimes,
poverty, communicable diseases and epidemics.’’
Speaking on behalf of the Ambassadors/High
Commissioners, the Ambassador of Algeria to
Nigeria said each of the diplomats brings
greetings and agenda from their home
governments, but the bottom line remains to
enhance cooperation and seek advancement in
mutual areas of interest.
“On behalf of my colleagues, we thank you for
receiving us. We know that your schedule is
tight. As the giant of Africa, you are always
focused on resolving conflicts in the continent,
while taking care of your domestic issues as well.’’
The Algerian ambassador said the African
ambassadors will leverage the opportunity to
further enhance implementation of the African
Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and
learn from each other.
