The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has said that the 8th National Assembly’s focus would remain on the economy until the country exited recession.
Saraki, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sanni Onogu, made this known at a dinner with the theme “Investing and Localization” organized by General Electric (GE) and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment.
He said that Nigeria was ready for business in spite of the current economic recession and reiterated that the 8th assembly was determined to ensure that businesses thrived in the country.
“The National Assembly has also opened its doors to the private sector to exchange ideas, opinions and engagements to enable it create the critical legal and legislative superstructure on which the next free market economy will anchor.
“Our focus in the National Assembly has been the economy and will remain so until we can chart a course out of recession, create jobs and facilitate private sector investment in infrastructure projects.
“We will also encourage interest in the agriculture and mining sector,’’ he said.
Saraki commended General Electric and other investors who had continued to invest and maintain their businesses in Nigeria in spite of the trying times.
He added that he would continue to encourage local entrepreneurs to invest in the economy.
“I am delighted at the efforts General Electric has shown in recent times as to its investment strategy in Nigeria.
“Clearly, General Electric is committed to investing in Nigeria and has shown that you are not only here just for the good times but have a long-term outlook for your engagement with Nigeria.”
He stated that efforts to bridge the infrastructure deficit in the country must be led by the private sector if the country was to succeed in its drive to lay a solid foundation for economic growth.
“We must look at roads, ports, railways and power and see how we can encourage the private sector to invest so as to bridge the gap.
“For us in the 8th National Assembly, it is not enough for government to say, patronize Made-in-Nigeria products and services. We must ensure that government leads the way.
“This is why the Senate has passed the Bill clearly giving a margin of government patronage to local investors and those who have chosen to make locally, use locally and create jobs for our teeming population.
“We would like to see local investors, especially those adapting local content into their businesses, given preferential treatment in the way government procurement are done,” Saraki said.
