Amb. Martin Uhomoibhi, outgoing Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Thursday that Nigeria’s economic growth rate had been steady despite the insurgency.

Uhomoibhi said this in an interview with NAN on the side line of an event organised in his honour by the African Diplomatic Corps in Abuja.

He commended the efforts of the military to curb the spread of terrorism in the country. “Terrorism is a challenge, it’s not a Nigerian problem, it’s a global challenge but Nigeria is attacking it from a uniquely Nigerian perspective.

“We are pursuing a whole of government approach using what we call ‘the carrot and stick approach’ to deal with it and I bet you, evil can never overcome good.

“The sheer size and the determination of the Nigerian people, the commitment of our leaders to that target is unmistakable and we will, with the collaboration and support of the world, deal with terrorism.

“If you look at the history all over the world what is happening is not new. It is naïve to think that terrorism can be dealt with in 24 hours; Nigeria is dealing with it in our development strategy.

“Nigeria is achieving 7.4 per cent growth of the GDP (Gross Domestic Products) every year for six years consecutively in spite of terrorism.

“There is no nation on earth that has battled terrorism and maintained a GDP growth. Nigeria has emerged as the biggest economy in the continent; emerged as the second most entertaining industry in the world.

“It is the latest kid on the block as one of the most attractive investment destination in the world. Look at what Nigeria is doing; rather than what it is not doing. With this, terrorism will pass.”

He also called urged Nigerians not to relent in the fight against terrorism

eunisam:
They is no tricle down effect in Nigerian development. What happens to poverty? What happend to unemployment? The GP rise should reflect on unemployment and poverty.

Icon4s:

My friend with a 7.4% rise in GDP annually u dnt expect a massive Improvement in those areas you mentioned.
Although paid jobs are getting more difficult to come by these days but people are now getting self employed, going into acting and entertainment and this also accounts for the rise in GDP. Remember the article says Nigeria is now second largest in d entertainment industry.

Fadelex:
and when has it become the work of foreign affairs ministry to tell us our GDP? this govt is a joke....... paper achievement while nothing on ground to back it up. Their time will soon be up

Project400:
wow!

hazyfm:
GDP ON THE RISE. YET
- People are suffering
- High rate of inflation, our currency is loosing value
- People are still looting
- So many graduates jobless and hopeless

hazyfm:
GDP ON THE RISE. YET
- People are suffering
- High rate of inflation, our currency is loosing value
- People are still looting
- So many graduates jobless and hopeless