According to report by sahara reporters, Mr. President reveals that his Government Created 1.6 Million Jobs In 2013. Read more below;
In what appears to be an
election campaign statement to rebut those who say his government has failed,
President Jonathan has in a New Year message to Nigerians rolled out a list of
his “achievements” in the past year.
Among them, he claimed his
government may have been responsible for an astounding 1.6 million jobs in 2013
alone, but did not clarify where the jobs were filled.
“Our national budget for 2014
which is now before the National Assembly is specifically targeted at job
creation and inclusive growth,” he said.
“We are keenly aware that in
spite of the estimated 1.6 million new jobs created across the country in the
past 12 months as a result of our actions and policies, more jobs are still
needed to support our growing population. Our economic priorities will be
stability and equitable growth, building on the diverse sectors of our
economy.”
Mr. Jonathan did not say
anything about the challenge of leading by example, and only referred to
corruption and bad governance, which his critics claim he is nurturing in the
country, in passing.
“I urge all Nigerians, no matter their stations in life, to rededicate themselves to contributing meaningfully to further enrich our national heritage. The time for that re-dedication is now, not tomorrow,” he said, referring to the 2014 being Nigeria’s centenary year.
“I urge all Nigerians, no matter their stations in life, to rededicate themselves to contributing meaningfully to further enrich our national heritage. The time for that re-dedication is now, not tomorrow,” he said, referring to the 2014 being Nigeria’s centenary year.
He reiterated that the
amalgamation of 1914 was a blessing rather than a mistake, and called on
Nigerians as they celebrate the landmark, to continue to work together to be
“even greater” as one, united people.
“Whatever challenges we may have
faced, whatever storms we may have confronted and survived, Nigeria remains a truly
blessed country, a country of gifted men and women who continue to distinguish
themselves in all spheres of life, a country whose diversity remains a source
of strength. We pay tribute today, as always to our founding fathers and
mothers, and all the heroes and heroines whose toil and sweat over the century
made this country what it is today.”
On the issue of peace and
security in the country, he said his government will do more in 2014 to further
empower the security agencies who are working in collaborative partnerships
with its friends in the international community to stem the scourge of
terrorism in our country, adding that the allocation of over N600 Billion to
Defence and Policing in the 2014 Budget attests to this commitment.
Mr. Jonathan also highlighted,
among others:
• The
commencement of the National Industrial Revolution Plan in 2013, aimed at
industrializing Nigeria and diversifying our economy into sectors such as
agro-processing, light manufacturing, and petrochemicals;
• Nigeria has
moved from a country that produced 2 million metric tonnes of cement in 2002 to
a country that now has a capacity of 28.5 million metric tonnes; for the first
time becoming a net exporter of cement;
• A revolution
in the agricultural sector, where 4.2 million farmers obtained their
fertilizers and seeds directly through an e-wallet in 2013;
• Nigeria
produced over 8 million metric tonnes of additional food in 2013 and inflation
fell to its lowest level since 2008 partly as a result, the nation’s food
import bill reducing from N1.1 trillion in 2011 to N648 billion in 2012;
• Between 2007
and 2013, the government has almost tripled the allocation for education from
N224 billion to N634 billion; and
• Nigeria is
building strong safety nets and improving access to primary health care under
the Saving One Million Lives programme, and in 2013 recruited 11,300 frontline
health workers who were deployed to under-served communities across the
country.
Mr. Jonathan promised that in
2014, his government will continue to prioritize investments in key sectors
such as infrastructure development, power, roads, rail transportation and
aviation.
“We shall boost investments in
transmission to ensure power generated is properly evacuated and distributed,”
he said. “In this regard, we have already mobilized an additional $1.5
billion for the upgrade of the transmission network in 2014 and beyond.
Government will also strengthen regulation of the sector, and closely
monitor electricity delivery to increase this beyond 18 hours per day. We will
complete the privatization of the NIPP projects, accelerate work on our gas
pipeline infrastructure and also continue to invest in hydro-electric power and
clean energy as we monitor the effects of climate change on our economy.”
He said his administration
believes that the cost of governance in the country is still too high and must
be further reduced, and would therefore take additional steps to stem the tide
of corruption and leakages, including curtailing foreign travel by government
personnel will be further curtailed.
He did not say how he would recover public faith in his government that has
been shattered by his refusal to declare his assets publicly, his protection of
corrupt government Ministers and the state pardon granted to his corrupt
friends, all being elements that are known to curtail or compromise every
government’s best initiatives.
Full text of the statement:
NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO THE NATION
FROM PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR
DECEMBER 31, 2013
DECEMBER 31, 2013
Dear Compatriots,
I greet and felicitate with you all as we enter the year 2014 which promises to be a momentous one for our country for several reasons, including the fact that it is also the year of our great nation’s centenary celebrations. I join you all in giving thanks to God Almighty for guiding us and our beloved nation safely through all the challenges of the outgoing year to the beginning of 2014.
I greet and felicitate with you all as we enter the year 2014 which promises to be a momentous one for our country for several reasons, including the fact that it is also the year of our great nation’s centenary celebrations. I join you all in giving thanks to God Almighty for guiding us and our beloved nation safely through all the challenges of the outgoing year to the beginning of 2014.
Exactly 100 years ago
today, on January 1, 1914, the British Colonial authorities amalgamated what was
then the separate Protectorates of Southern Nigeria and Northern Nigeria,
giving birth to the single geopolitical entity known as Nigeria. For us
therefore, today is not just the beginning of a new year, but the end of a
century of national existence and the beginning of another. It is a moment for
sober reflection and for pride in all that is great about Nigeria.
Whatever challenges we may have
faced, whatever storms we may have confronted and survived, Nigeria remains a
truly blessed country, a country of gifted men and women who continue to
distinguish themselves in all spheres of life, a country whose diversity
remains a source of strength. We pay tribute today, as always to our
founding fathers and mothers, and all the heroes and heroines whose toil and
sweat over the century made this country what it is today.
As I noted, a few days ago, the
amalgamation of 1914 was certainly not a mistake but a blessing. As we
celebrate 100 years of nationhood, we must resolve to continue to work together
as one, united people, to make our country even greater.
I assure you that our
administration remains fully committed to the progressive development of our
country and the consolidation of peace, unity and democratic governance in our
fatherland. Despite several continuing domestic and global challenges, for us
in Nigeria, the year 2013 witnessed many positive developments which we will
strive to build upon in 2014.
We have diligently carried
forward the purposeful and focused implementation of our agenda for national
transformation in priority areas such as power, the rehabilitation and
expansion of national infrastructure, agricultural development, education and
employment generation.
You may recall that our 2013
Budget was on the theme, “Fiscal Consolidation with Inclusive Growth”, and I
emphasized the need for us to “remain prudent with our fiscal resources and
also ensure that the Nigerian economy keeps growing and creating jobs”. I am
pleased to report that we have stayed focused on this goal.
Our national budget for 2014 which is now before the National Assembly is specifically targeted at job creation and inclusive growth. We are keenly aware that in spite of the estimated 1.6 million new jobs created across the country in the past 12 months as a result of our actions and policies, more jobs are still needed to support our growing population. Our economic priorities will be stability and equitable growth, building on the diverse sectors of our economy.
Our national budget for 2014 which is now before the National Assembly is specifically targeted at job creation and inclusive growth. We are keenly aware that in spite of the estimated 1.6 million new jobs created across the country in the past 12 months as a result of our actions and policies, more jobs are still needed to support our growing population. Our economic priorities will be stability and equitable growth, building on the diverse sectors of our economy.
In 2013, we commenced
implementation of the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) aimed at
industrializing Nigeria and diversifying our economy into sectors such as
agro-processing, light manufacturing, and petrochemicals. We have also
negotiated a strong Common External Tariff (CET) agreement with our ECOWAS
partners which would enable us to protect our strategic industries where
necessary.
I am pleased to note that
as a result of our backward integration policies, Nigeria has moved from a
country that produced 2 million metric tonnes of cement in 2002, to a country
that now has a capacity of 28.5 million metric tonnes. For the first time in
our history, we have moved from being a net importer of cement to a net
exporter. Foreign direct investment into Nigeria has also been strong. In fact,
for the second year running, the UN Conference on Trade and Development has
named Nigeria as the number 1 destination for investments in Africa.
We are witnessing a
revolution in the agricultural sector and the results are evident. We have
tackled corruption in the input distribution system as many farmers now obtain
their fertilizers and seeds directly through an e-wallet system. In 2013, 4.2
million farmers received subsidized inputs via this programme. This scheme has
restored dignity to our farmers.
Last year we produced over
8 million metric tonnes of additional food; and this year, inflation fell to
its lowest level since 2008 partly due to higher domestic food production. Our
food import bill has also reduced from N1.1 trillion in 2011, to N648 billion
in 2012, placing Nigeria firmly on the path to food self-sufficiency.
The sector is also
supporting more jobs. Last year, we produced 1.1 million metric tonnes of dry
season rice across 10 Northern states; and over 250,000 farmers and youths in
these States are now profitably engaged in farming even during the dry season.
This Administration is also developing our water resources which are key
for both our food production and job creation goals. In 2013, we completed the
construction of nine dams which increased the volume of our water reservoirs by
422 million cubic metres. Through our irrigation and drainage programme,
we have increased the total irrigated area by over 31,000 hectares creating
jobs for over 75,000 farming families while increasing production of over
400,000 metric tons of assorted irrigated food products.
Fellow Compatriots, I have
always believed that the single greatest thing we can do to ensure all
Nigerians realize their potential and play a full part in our nation’s future,
is to invest in education. The education of our young people is a key priority
for this Government. We take this responsibility very seriously and I urge all
other stakeholders in the sector to recognize the national importance of their
work, and to help advance the cause of education in our nation.
Between 2007 and 2013, we
have almost tripled the allocation for education from N224 billion to N634
billion – and we will continue to vigorously support the sector. We have
improved access to education in the country with the construction of 125
Almajiri schools, and the establishment of three additional Federal
Universities in the North, bringing to twelve, the number of universities
established by this administration.
In 2013, we rehabilitated
352 laboratories and constructed 72 new libraries in the Federal Unity Schools;
and also rehabilitated laboratories of all the 51 Federal and State
polytechnics across the country.
In the Health sector, we
are building strong safety nets and improving access to primary health care
under the Saving One Million Lives programme. In 2013, we recruited 11,300
frontline health workers who were deployed to under-served communities across
the country. Over 400,000 lives have been saved through our various
interventions. We have reached over 10,000 women and children with conditional
cash transfer programmes across 8 States and the FCT and we intend to scale up
this successful initiative.
Our national immunization
coverage has exceeded 80%. And for the first time in the history of the country
there has not been any transmission of the Type-3 Wild Polio virus for more
than one year.We have also eradicated the guinea worm that previously affected
the lives of over 800,000 Nigerians yearly. In tertiary health care, we
upgraded medical facilities across the country. Two of our teaching hospitals –
the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu, and the University
College Hospital in Ibadan – commenced open heart surgeries this year after the
installation of new facilities.
Fellow Nigerians, I have dwelt
on some of our administration’s achievements in 2013 to reassure you that we
are working and results are being achieved on the ground. As we enter our
Centennial year, there is still much work ahead. We are determined to sustain
our strong macroeconomic fundamentals, to strengthen our domestic institutions,
and to invest in priority sectors. These investments will create more jobs for
our youth. Government will at the same time, continue to scale-up investments
in safety nets and the MDGs to take care of the poor and the vulnerable so that
they too can share in our growth and prosperity.
In 2014, we will continue to
prioritize investments in key sectors such as infrastructure development,
power, roads, rail transportation and aviation. In the past year, the Federal
Government completed the privatization of four power generation companies and
10 power distribution companies. We are also in the process of privatizing 10
power plants under the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP).
We shall boost investments in transmission to ensure power generated is properly evacuated and distributed. In this regard, we have already mobilized an additional $1.5 billion for the upgrade of the transmission network in 2014 and beyond. Government will also strengthen regulation of the sector, and closely monitor electricity delivery to increase this beyond 18 hours per day. We will complete the privatization of the NIPP projects, accelerate work on our gas pipeline infrastructure and also continue to invest in hydro-electric power and clean energy as we monitor the effects of climate change on our economy.
Our administration believes that the cost of governance in the country is still too high and must be further reduced. We will also take additional steps to stem the tide of corruption and leakages. We have worked hard to curb fraud in the administration of the pension system and the implementation of the petroleum subsidy scheme. We have introduced a Pensions Transition Arrangement Department under a new Director-General. This department will now ensure that those of our pensioners still under the old scheme receive their pensions and gratuities, and are not subjected to fraud. Prosecution of all those involved in robbing our retired people will continue. The Petroleum Subsidy Scheme is also now being operated under new strict guidelines to tackle previous leakages in the scheme and prevent fraud.
Foreign travel by government personnel will be further curtailed. This directive shall apply to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government. Our strategy to curb leakages will increasingly rely on introducing the right technologies such as biometrics and digitizing government payments.
I am therefore pleased to inform you that we shall complete the deployment of the three electronic platforms in 2014 – namely, theTreasury Single Account (TSA), theGovernment Integrated Financial Management Information System(GIFMIS) and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) – which are all geared towards improving efficiency and transparency in our public finances. Through these reforms, we have already saved about N126 billion in leaked funds and intend to save more.
To sustain Nigeria’s ongoing agricultural transformation, we have planned further investments in the sector. We will provide input subsidies to five million farmers nationwide using the e-wallet system. This Administration recently launched a self-employment initiative under theYouth Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP), called the Nagropreneur programme. This scheme would encourage our youth to go into commercial agriculture as entrepreneurs and we plan to develop over 750,000 youngNagropreneurs by 2015.
We will also establish new agro-industrial clusters to complement the staple crop processing zones being developed across the country.In 2014, this Administration will continue to work with the private sector to improve financing in the agricultural sector. For example, we will launch the Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria(FAFIN) which will serve as a private equity fund to invest in agri-businesses across the country.
Our Small and Medium scale enterprises (SMEs) will be the bedrock of Nigeria’s industrialization. We have about 17 million registered SMEs, and they employ over 32 million Nigerians. When our SMEs grow, more jobs will be created for our youth. Therefore, in 2014, this Administration will focus strongly on implementing the Nigeria Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) to address the needs of small businesses. Our interventions will include helping SMEs with access to affordable finance, business development services, and youth training. In addition, our new CET policies will enable us to support our emerging industries.
We will also intensify our investment promotion efforts abroad, to ensure we bring the biggest and best companies from around the world to invest in Nigeria.
Dear Compatriots, the housing and construction industry is a critical sector in most developed economies. When the housing sector booms, it creates additional jobs for architects and masons, for electricians and plumbers, for painters and interior decorators, and for those in the cement and furniture industries.
Today, I am pleased to inform you that this Administration is reinvigorating our housing and construction sector. We have established the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) which will increase liquidity in the housing sector, provide a secondary market for mortgages, and thereby increase the number of people able to purchase or build homes at an affordable price in the country.
In 2014, we will work in a number of pilot states where the State Governors have agreed to provide fast-track land titles, foreclosure arrangements, and serviced plots.
We shall boost investments in transmission to ensure power generated is properly evacuated and distributed. In this regard, we have already mobilized an additional $1.5 billion for the upgrade of the transmission network in 2014 and beyond. Government will also strengthen regulation of the sector, and closely monitor electricity delivery to increase this beyond 18 hours per day. We will complete the privatization of the NIPP projects, accelerate work on our gas pipeline infrastructure and also continue to invest in hydro-electric power and clean energy as we monitor the effects of climate change on our economy.
Our administration believes that the cost of governance in the country is still too high and must be further reduced. We will also take additional steps to stem the tide of corruption and leakages. We have worked hard to curb fraud in the administration of the pension system and the implementation of the petroleum subsidy scheme. We have introduced a Pensions Transition Arrangement Department under a new Director-General. This department will now ensure that those of our pensioners still under the old scheme receive their pensions and gratuities, and are not subjected to fraud. Prosecution of all those involved in robbing our retired people will continue. The Petroleum Subsidy Scheme is also now being operated under new strict guidelines to tackle previous leakages in the scheme and prevent fraud.
Foreign travel by government personnel will be further curtailed. This directive shall apply to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government. Our strategy to curb leakages will increasingly rely on introducing the right technologies such as biometrics and digitizing government payments.
I am therefore pleased to inform you that we shall complete the deployment of the three electronic platforms in 2014 – namely, theTreasury Single Account (TSA), theGovernment Integrated Financial Management Information System(GIFMIS) and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) – which are all geared towards improving efficiency and transparency in our public finances. Through these reforms, we have already saved about N126 billion in leaked funds and intend to save more.
To sustain Nigeria’s ongoing agricultural transformation, we have planned further investments in the sector. We will provide input subsidies to five million farmers nationwide using the e-wallet system. This Administration recently launched a self-employment initiative under theYouth Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP), called the Nagropreneur programme. This scheme would encourage our youth to go into commercial agriculture as entrepreneurs and we plan to develop over 750,000 youngNagropreneurs by 2015.
We will also establish new agro-industrial clusters to complement the staple crop processing zones being developed across the country.In 2014, this Administration will continue to work with the private sector to improve financing in the agricultural sector. For example, we will launch the Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria(FAFIN) which will serve as a private equity fund to invest in agri-businesses across the country.
Our Small and Medium scale enterprises (SMEs) will be the bedrock of Nigeria’s industrialization. We have about 17 million registered SMEs, and they employ over 32 million Nigerians. When our SMEs grow, more jobs will be created for our youth. Therefore, in 2014, this Administration will focus strongly on implementing the Nigeria Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) to address the needs of small businesses. Our interventions will include helping SMEs with access to affordable finance, business development services, and youth training. In addition, our new CET policies will enable us to support our emerging industries.
We will also intensify our investment promotion efforts abroad, to ensure we bring the biggest and best companies from around the world to invest in Nigeria.
Dear Compatriots, the housing and construction industry is a critical sector in most developed economies. When the housing sector booms, it creates additional jobs for architects and masons, for electricians and plumbers, for painters and interior decorators, and for those in the cement and furniture industries.
Today, I am pleased to inform you that this Administration is reinvigorating our housing and construction sector. We have established the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) which will increase liquidity in the housing sector, provide a secondary market for mortgages, and thereby increase the number of people able to purchase or build homes at an affordable price in the country.
In 2014, we will work in a number of pilot states where the State Governors have agreed to provide fast-track land titles, foreclosure arrangements, and serviced plots.
This new institution will enable us to create over 200,000
mortgages over the next five years at affordable interest rates. In addition,
those at the lower end of the economic ladder will not be left behind as this
new initiative will expand mass housing schemes through a re-structured Federal
Mortgage Bank and other institutions to provide rent-to-own and lease-to-own
options. I am confident that very soon, many more hardworking Nigerian families
will be able to realize their dream of owning a home.
In this our centenary year, we
will continue our efforts, through theSaving One Million Lives initiative to
strengthen primary health care services. We will scale up interventions in
reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, nutrition, routine
immunization, HIV/AIDS, malaria elimination, tuberculosis, neglected tropical
diseases, and non-communicable diseases. We will pay greater attention to the
provision of universal health coverage. Besides the implementation of new
initiatives such as my comprehensive response plan for HIV/AIDS, we shall
continue to collaborate with global health partners to deliver our health
sector transformation agenda.
I am glad that the issues
responsible for the long-drawn ASUU strike have been resolved and our children
are returning to their campuses. We are committed to making our tertiary
institutions true centers of learning for our young people. We will therefore
focus on upgrading hostels, laboratories, classrooms, and halls. As the
2015 deadline for the Millennium Development Goals approaches, we will continue
to expand access to basic education for all Nigerian children. Working with
State Governments, we shall decisively tackle the problem of the large numbers
of out-of-school children in this country. We will also invest in technical and
vocational education to promote skills development for our youth across the
country.
Nigerian entrepreneurs still lack access to affordable financing, with medium-to-long-term tenors. To address this gap, a new wholesale development finance institution will be established in 2014 to provide medium-to long-term financing for Nigerian businesses. We are working with partners such as the World Bank, the Africa Development Bank, the BNDES Bank in Brazil, and KfW in Germany, to realize this project. Our existing Bank of Agriculture and Bank of Industry will be re-structured as specialized institutions to retail financing from this new wholesale development bank.
In addition to the foregoing, our administration will also do all within its powers to ensure the success of the forthcoming National Conference. The report of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Conference is undergoing urgent review and the approved structure, guidelines and modalities for the conference will soon be published as a prelude to its commencement and expeditious conclusion.
It remains our sincere hope and expectation that the success of the national conference will further enhance national unity, peace and cohesion as we move ahead to the 2015 general elections.
In keeping with our avowed commitment to progressively enhancing the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process by consistently upholding the principle of one man, one vote, our Administration will also ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) receives all required support to ensure that it is adequately prepared for the next general elections.
As peace and security remain prerequisite conditions for the full realization of our objectives, we will also do more in 2014 to further empower our security agencies who are working in collaborative partnerships with our friends in the international community to stem the scourge of terrorism in our country and enhance the security of lives and property in all parts of Nigeria. The allocation of over N600 Billion to Defence and Policing in the 2014 Budget attests to this commitment.
Nigerian entrepreneurs still lack access to affordable financing, with medium-to-long-term tenors. To address this gap, a new wholesale development finance institution will be established in 2014 to provide medium-to long-term financing for Nigerian businesses. We are working with partners such as the World Bank, the Africa Development Bank, the BNDES Bank in Brazil, and KfW in Germany, to realize this project. Our existing Bank of Agriculture and Bank of Industry will be re-structured as specialized institutions to retail financing from this new wholesale development bank.
In addition to the foregoing, our administration will also do all within its powers to ensure the success of the forthcoming National Conference. The report of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Conference is undergoing urgent review and the approved structure, guidelines and modalities for the conference will soon be published as a prelude to its commencement and expeditious conclusion.
It remains our sincere hope and expectation that the success of the national conference will further enhance national unity, peace and cohesion as we move ahead to the 2015 general elections.
In keeping with our avowed commitment to progressively enhancing the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process by consistently upholding the principle of one man, one vote, our Administration will also ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) receives all required support to ensure that it is adequately prepared for the next general elections.
As peace and security remain prerequisite conditions for the full realization of our objectives, we will also do more in 2014 to further empower our security agencies who are working in collaborative partnerships with our friends in the international community to stem the scourge of terrorism in our country and enhance the security of lives and property in all parts of Nigeria. The allocation of over N600 Billion to Defence and Policing in the 2014 Budget attests to this commitment.
Fellow compatriots, the task of
making our dear nation a much better place for present and future generations
cannot be left to government alone. I therefore urge you all to be ready and
willing to do more this year to support the implementation of the Federal
Government’s Agenda for National Transformation in every possible way.
Let us all therefore resolve as
we celebrate the new year, and Nigeria’s Centenary, to place the higher
interests of national unity, peace, stability and progress above all other
considerations and work harder in our particular fields of human endeavour to
contribute more significantly to the attainment of our collective aspirations.
I urge all Nigerians, no matter their stations in life, to rededicate
themselves to contributing meaningfully to further enrich our national
heritage. The time for that re-dedication is now, not tomorrow.
I wish you all a
happy and rewarding 2014. God bless Nigeria. Happy New Year.Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 31, 2013
1 comment:
I beg, mak una stop all dis lie! I get tribal mark? 1.6M for where?
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