Yemisi Izuora
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the
Buhari Administration has laid the necessary groundwork for the growth
of the nation’s economy, and urged investors to take advantage of the
government’s efforts by investing massively in Nigeria.
The Minister, who made the call in London on Thursday, at a breakfast
meeting with investors, lawyers, the business community and diplomats
with ties to Nigeria, said the country – as the largest economy and a
political powerhouse in Africa – represents a highly attractive market
and investment partner.
”Not only is our administration positive about our economy’s outlook,
but the $5 billion in foreign investment that we have secured after
the recent elections signals that you, the international community,
share our positive outlook and confidence in the administration’s
policy,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed said in the past four years, President Muhammadu
Buhari has led the nation’s economy from recession to growth through
his Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), in addition to
diversifying the economy.
”While there is no denying that oil remains an important part of the
economy, we have diversified, with real GDP growth being driven by the
expansion of non-oil activities,” he said, adding that the service
sector, for example, is responsible for 54% of GDP and has become the
primary driver of growth for the economy.
The Minister said Nigeria’s successful battle against insecurity and
corruption has made the country an advocate for transparency and
accountability in Africa, while further strengthening its economy.
On the recent general elections, he said the re-election of President
Buhari is a validation of the fact that Nigerians recognized the
change and transformation that the administration has brought to the
country.
He however described as disappointing and deeply irresponsible the
attempts by the opposition to discredit the election and undermine the
democratic choice of the Nigerian people, saying local and
international observers have described the elections as credible.
”We will not be distracted from our vision and we hope that the
opposition will join us in shaping a better future for Nigeria, for
the benefit not only of the people of Nigeria but the region and the
continent,” Alhaji Mohammed said.
The event is part of the ongoing visit of the Minister to the US and
the UK to meet with the international media, opinion molders and think
tanks.
The Minister, who was interviewed by the BBC, VOA, SKY TV, Al-Jazeera,
Washington Post, Reuters, The Economist, Financial Times and the
Africa Report, among others, also met with the Atlantic Council, the
Council on Foreign Relations and the international not-for-profit
corporation FINCA, all in Washington, DC.