the President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday promised the international community that his administration would continue to ensure the security of lives and investments in Nigeria.
The abduction of the foreigners took place in Bauchi State.
Addressing a 45-member trade delegation from the United States, who visited him at the Presidential Villa Abuja, the President said the Federal Government was working hard to overcome the country’s current security challenges.
President of the Corporate Council on Africa, Mr. Steve Hayes, and the Executive Vice-President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Ms. Mimi Alemayehou led the delegation.
Jonathan said, “We will continue to do everything possible to ensure the security of lives and investments in Nigeria. The Federal Government is working very hard to overcome the security challenges in the country. An intensive effort is underway to curb terrorism and other criminal acts such as kidnapping and hostage taking.”
He promised that his administration would continue to empower the private sector to serve as the main drivers of the Federal Government’s agenda for economic growth and development.
Jonathan said, “We welcome your interest and commitment to Nigeria. You are coming at a time when sectors previously dominated by government monopolies are being opened up to the private sector because we fully believe that that is the best way forward and the best way to create greater efficiency, employment and economic prosperity.
“You all know Nigeria’s potential. With its very huge market and the conducive investment climate we are working hard to foster, it is a country where your companies can do very fruitful business and I assure you of the full encouragement and support of the Federal Government for your investments.”
Hayes commended Jonathan for his efforts to promote greater trade and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the US.
Meanwhile, the President on Tuesday met behind closed doors with some former Heads of State, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, National Assembly leaders and governors.
The meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja was under the auspices of the National Council of State.
There was no press briefing on the outcome of the about three-hour meeting.
Ahead of the meeting, there was speculation that issues relating to granting presidential pardon to a former Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Alamiyieseigha, and some others would form part of the meeting’s agenda.
Former President Shehu Shagari; former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), and former Head of the defunct Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, attended the meeting.
Three former CJNs, Justices Dahiru Musdapher, Alfa Belgore, and Idris Kutigi were also at the meeting.
Others were Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Senate President, David Mark, and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwwal.
Governors of Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Adamawa, Cross River, Edo, Delta, Ogun, Ondo, Rivers, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, Sokoto and Kebbi states attended the meeting, while many others sent in their deputies.
The NCS comprises the President, former heads of government, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, governors and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The council advises the president on prerogative of mercy, awards of national honours, appointment of members of the Independent National Electoral Commission, National Judicial Council and the National Population Commission among other national issues.
