President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday pledged that his administration would continue to implement policies and measures that "will continuously improve the operating environment for entrepreneurs and investors in the Nigerian economy."

A statement by Jonathan's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, in Abuja explained that the President stated this when he received the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and some leading Nigerian investors and bankers in his office.

Jonathan, the statement added, said that his administration was fully committed to removing all major impediments to greater investment in the country.

The President commended plans by the Dangote Group to build Africa's largest refinery, petro-chemicals and fertilizer manufacturing complex in Nigeria.

He also appreciated the consortium of banks that would provide a $3.3bn credit facility for the project.

Jonathan also expressed the Federal Government's appreciation for the great support being rendered by Nigeria's private sector to the implementation of his administration's agenda for national transformation.

He noted that the Dangote Group's massive investment in refining, petrochemicals and fertilizer production would contribute significantly to the attainment of government's priority objective of job creation.

The President commended Dangote and the Chief Executives of the Nigerian banks that were helping him to finance the project for being patriotic and having the confidence to invest in their own country.

He added, "We are pleased that you are now investing in refining, petro-chemicals and fertiliser production. It is the downstream sector of oil and gas that can really create many jobs.

"Your interest and investment in that area will help in the area of job creation which we have been emphasising.  You are also helping us to move away from being a mere producer of raw materials by adding value to our natural resources."