President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday morning addressed Nigerians on some of the activities and achievements of his administration.
In his Democracy Day broadcast, President Buhari noted that this was a difficult time as the world is still battling with the coronavirus pandemic that has infected millions and hundreds of thousands.
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The address was to mark this year’s Democracy Day which is now held on June 12. he president spoke a lot about the diversification of the economy, listing steps the government has been taking and how far it has come.
On his administration’s efforts, the president said: “We have recorded notable achievements in the course of implementing our nine priority objectives and are establishing a solid foundation for future success.
“On the economic front, our objectives have remained to stabilize the macroeconomy, achieve agricultural and food security, ensure energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products, develop infrastructure, fight corruption and improve governance.
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“We have witnessed eleven quarters of consecutive GDP growth since exiting recession. The GDP grew from 1.91% in 2018 to 2.27% in 2019 but declined to 1.87% in the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the decline in global economic activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
He reiterated that agriculture remains the key to his government’s economic diversification strategy. He also said Nigeria has risen by 25 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking from 146th to 131st and is now rated as one of the top ten reforming countries.
On transportation, the president said his administration is growing the stock and quality of Nigerian road, rail, air and water transport infrastructure. In the oil and gas sector, he said his government is focusing on growing local content with the disbursement of funds from the $200 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund to indigenous manufacturers and service providers.
In the area of security, President Buhari said ending insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality across the nation is being accorded appropriate priorities by his government.
On the recent killings in some northern states, the president said: “I regret recent sporadic incidents with the tragic loss of lives in Katsina and Borno states as a result of criminals taking advantage of COVID-19 restrictions. Security agencies will pursue the perpetrators and bring them to swift justice.
“I must implore state and local governments to revamp their intelligence assets so that the security agencies can nip in the bud any planned attacks in remote rural areas. I send my heartfelt condolences to all the relatives and communities affected.”
On the rising cases of gender-based violence in the country: “I am particularly upset at recent incidents of rape, especially of very young girls. The police are pursuing these cases with a view to bringing perpetrators of these heinous crimes to swift justice,” Buhari said.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with the ninth National Assembly on their first year anniversary.
