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Country Profile: 'Nigeria National Day' Message from Ambassador
Mon, 09/29/2008 10:55 AM | Supplement
On this unique occasion of the 48th Anniversary Celebration of Nigeria's Independence, may I, on behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria extend warm greetings to the Government and people of Indonesia.
I also congratulate my fellow Nigerians resident in Indonesia who through their legitimate economic pursuits contributed to the economic development of this country, and further strengthened the existing relations between Nigeria and Indonesia. I should note that from the inception of this administration on 29th May, 2007 President Umaru Musa Yar'adua, GCFR was committed to transform Nigerian economy into one of the leading 20 economies in the world by the year 2020. The seven points of this administration represents a strategic plan for the achievement of this vision. The seven-point agenda includes: Power and Energy:
The infrastructural reforms in this critical sector through the development of sufficient and adequate power supply will be to ensure Nigeria's ability to develop as a modern economy and an industrial nation by the year 2015. Food Security:
This reform is primarily agrarian-based. The emphasis on the development of modern technology, research, financial injection into research, production and development of agricultural inputs will revolutionize the agricultural sector. Wealth Creation:
This reform is focused on wealth creation through diversified production, especially in the agricultural and solid mineral sector. Transport sector:
The transportation sector in Nigeria with its poor road networks is an inefficient means of mass transit of people and goods. With a goal of a modernized industrialized Nigeria, it is mandatory that Nigeria develops its transport sector. The government has already started this process by the ongoing rehabilitation and modernization of the railway. Land Reforms:
While hundreds of billions of dollars have been lost through unused government-owned landed assets, changes in the land laws and the emergence of land reforms will optimize Nigeria's growth through the release of lands for commercialized farming and other large-scale business by the private sector. Security:
An unfriendly security climate precludes both external and internal investment in the national economy. Thus, security will be seen as not only a constitutional requirement but also as a necessary infrastructure for the development of a modern economy. With its particular needs, the Niger Delta Security issue will be the primary focus, but through honest and an accurate dialogue between the people and the Government. In this regard a Ministry for Niger Delta has been created to address the issues. Education:
The two-fold reforms in the educational sector will ensure firstly the minimum acceptable international standards of education for all. With that achieved, a strategic educational development plan will ensure excellence in both the tutoring and learning skill acquisition in science and technology by students who will take up the challenge of industrializing the country.
According to the President, these reforms and changes are necessary to facilitate our march towards greatness and to consolidate our democracy. And it is glorifying that these reforms and policies have began to bear tangible fruits in repositioning the economy and making it the preferred destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
The fight against corruption In order to create a clean atmosphere for investments in the country has led to the prosecution of government functionaries, captains of industries as well as "Advance Fee" Fraudsters.
On Nigeria-Indonesia bilateral relations, I note the shift for closer cooperation between the two countries in economic, trade and investment in the spirit of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership (NAASP) and South-South Cooperation. However, to facilitate this the two governments are working towards the take-off of the Joint Commission which the two parties agreed to establish since 2000. This would speed up the conclusion of pending agreements between the two countries.
Let me at this point express my profound gratitude to the Indonesian companies doing business in Nigeria, such as PT Indorama, Indofood (noodles), PT Sayap Mas Utama (detergents), Eurochem Indonesia, PT Classic Intermark (soap), PT Kalbe Farma (pharmaceuticals), Dexa Medica (pharmaceuticals), Mensa Group, Sanbe Pharmaceutical and Nutrifood Indonesia (beverages), for the confidence they have in the Nigerian economy and also in its people. I further assure them of the safety of their investment and the commitment of the federal government in removing unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks to ensure an investment friendly business environment. On the other hand, under the expatriate quota system, Nigerian companies offer employment (jobs) to Indonesian professionals in all sectors including oil, shipping, aviation and construction.
While encouraging more Indonesian investment in Nigeria, we are also promoting in Nigeria, the enormous investment potentials in Indonesia and encouraging Nigerian private sector operators to explore the possibilities of investing and doing business in this country.
As we celebrate this great day in the annals of our history, I urge all Nigerians here in Indonesia to continue to live happily with one another and with our Indonesian friends and hosts as they go about their legitimate business and strive to be good "Ambassadors" of our dear country in Indonesia.
I also wish the President, Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the government and the people of Indonesia peace, good prospects and prosperity in the years ahead
