Beloved countrymen and women, on
this day, fifty-two years ago, our founding fathers brought joy and hope to the
hearts of our people when they won independence for our great country.
this day, fifty-two years ago, our founding fathers brought joy and hope to the
hearts of our people when they won independence for our great country.
Nigeria
made a clean break with more than six decades of colonial rule, and emerged as
a truly independent nation. That turning point was a new beginning for our
nation.
Those
who witnessed the lowering of the Union Jack and the emergence of the Green
White Green flag continue to relish the memory, because that ceremony was not
just about the destiny of a nation, but the future of a people.
who witnessed the lowering of the Union Jack and the emergence of the Green
White Green flag continue to relish the memory, because that ceremony was not
just about the destiny of a nation, but the future of a people.
That
future is here; we are the inheritors of a great legacy that goes even much
farther into the past.
future is here; we are the inheritors of a great legacy that goes even much
farther into the past.
The
worthy patriots who made this possible were young men and women in their
twenties and thirties. They worked together to restore dignity and honour to
the Nigerian people. Their resolve united a multicultural and multilingual
nation of diverse peoples, with more than 250 distinct languages and ethnic
groups.
worthy patriots who made this possible were young men and women in their
twenties and thirties. They worked together to restore dignity and honour to
the Nigerian people. Their resolve united a multicultural and multilingual
nation of diverse peoples, with more than 250 distinct languages and ethnic
groups.
In
1960, our diversity became a source of strength, and the new leaders resolved
to carry the flag of independence for the benefit of future generations. They
had their differences, but they placed a greater premium on the need to come
together to build a new nation.
1960, our diversity became a source of strength, and the new leaders resolved
to carry the flag of independence for the benefit of future generations. They
had their differences, but they placed a greater premium on the need to come
together to build a new nation.
It
is that resolve, and that glorious moment that we celebrate today. We also
celebrate the patriotism of our heroes past: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar
Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Michael Okpara,
Chief Anthony Enahoro, Herbert Macaulay, and several others who made the case
for our independence.
is that resolve, and that glorious moment that we celebrate today. We also
celebrate the patriotism of our heroes past: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar
Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Michael Okpara,
Chief Anthony Enahoro, Herbert Macaulay, and several others who made the case
for our independence.
We
remember as always, their contributions to the making of the Nigerian nation,
and the efforts of their successors since 1960. We also celebrate the unfailing
optimism and resilience of Nigerians who remain proud of our national identity.
remember as always, their contributions to the making of the Nigerian nation,
and the efforts of their successors since 1960. We also celebrate the unfailing
optimism and resilience of Nigerians who remain proud of our national identity.
On
this special day, I call on every Nigerian to remain steadfast, because our
nation is indeed making progress. I call on every Nigerian to rediscover that
special spirit that enables us to triumph over every adversity as a people:
this special day, I call on every Nigerian to remain steadfast, because our
nation is indeed making progress. I call on every Nigerian to rediscover that
special spirit that enables us to triumph over every adversity as a people:
We
weathered the storm of the civil war, we have refused to be broken by sectarian
crises; we have remained a strong nation. I bring to you today, a message of
renewed hope and faith in the immense possibilities that lie ahead.
weathered the storm of the civil war, we have refused to be broken by sectarian
crises; we have remained a strong nation. I bring to you today, a message of
renewed hope and faith in the immense possibilities that lie ahead.
Fellow
citizens, I have an unshaken belief in the future of our great Country. I
consider it a priority and sacred duty to continue to strengthen the bond of
unity that holds our nation together and to promote and nourish the creative
energies of our people. This is a central objective of our administration’s
Transformation Agenda. Nigeria, I assure you, will continue to grow from
strength to strength.
citizens, I have an unshaken belief in the future of our great Country. I
consider it a priority and sacred duty to continue to strengthen the bond of
unity that holds our nation together and to promote and nourish the creative
energies of our people. This is a central objective of our administration’s
Transformation Agenda. Nigeria, I assure you, will continue to grow from
strength to strength.
Since
I assumed office as President of our dear country on the 6th of May 2010, I
have continued to work with our countrymen and women to enhance our nation’s
growth and development.
I assumed office as President of our dear country on the 6th of May 2010, I
have continued to work with our countrymen and women to enhance our nation’s
growth and development.
Our
vision is encapsulated in the Transformation Agenda. We are working hard and
making progress on many fronts. We have cleaned up our electoral process; our
elections are now globally acclaimed to be free and fair. Nigeria is now on a
higher pedestal regarding elections.
vision is encapsulated in the Transformation Agenda. We are working hard and
making progress on many fronts. We have cleaned up our electoral process; our
elections are now globally acclaimed to be free and fair. Nigeria is now on a
higher pedestal regarding elections.
Over
the past five years, the global economy has been going through a weak and
uncertain recovery. During the same period and particularly in the last two
years, the Nigerian economy has done appreciably well despite the global
financial crisis. Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown by 7.1
per cent on average.
the past five years, the global economy has been going through a weak and
uncertain recovery. During the same period and particularly in the last two
years, the Nigerian economy has done appreciably well despite the global
financial crisis. Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown by 7.1
per cent on average.
It
is also significant that the GDP growth has been driven largely by the non-oil
sector. In pursuance of the main goals of the Transformation Agenda, a number
of reforms and initiatives are being pursued in key sectors of the economy with
a view to consolidating the gains of the economic growth.
is also significant that the GDP growth has been driven largely by the non-oil
sector. In pursuance of the main goals of the Transformation Agenda, a number
of reforms and initiatives are being pursued in key sectors of the economy with
a view to consolidating the gains of the economic growth.
Our
country’s power supply situation is improving gradually. We are successfully
implementing a well-integrated power sector reform programme which includes
institutional arrangements to facilitate and strengthen private-sector-led
power generation, transmission and distribution.
country’s power supply situation is improving gradually. We are successfully
implementing a well-integrated power sector reform programme which includes
institutional arrangements to facilitate and strengthen private-sector-led
power generation, transmission and distribution.
We
have also put in place a cost-reflective tariff structure that reduces the cost
of power for a majority of electricity consumers. I am pleased with the
feedback from across the country, of improvements in power supply.
have also put in place a cost-reflective tariff structure that reduces the cost
of power for a majority of electricity consumers. I am pleased with the
feedback from across the country, of improvements in power supply.
We
are continuing to improve and stabilize on our crude production volumes; our
12-month gas supply emergency plan, put in place earlier this year, has
produced more than the targeted volumes of gas for power generation. A robust
Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has been placed before the National Assembly. Its
passage into law will ensure far-reaching reforms, transparency,
accountability, increased government revenue and predictability for investors
in the Oil and Gas sector.
are continuing to improve and stabilize on our crude production volumes; our
12-month gas supply emergency plan, put in place earlier this year, has
produced more than the targeted volumes of gas for power generation. A robust
Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has been placed before the National Assembly. Its
passage into law will ensure far-reaching reforms, transparency,
accountability, increased government revenue and predictability for investors
in the Oil and Gas sector.
Several
government programmes and projects are creating wealth and millions of job
opportunities for our youth and general population. Such programmes include:
You-Win, both for the youth and for the women, Public Works, the Local Content
Initiative in the Oil and Gas Sector, and the Agricultural Transformation
programme.
government programmes and projects are creating wealth and millions of job
opportunities for our youth and general population. Such programmes include:
You-Win, both for the youth and for the women, Public Works, the Local Content
Initiative in the Oil and Gas Sector, and the Agricultural Transformation
programme.
We
have improved on our investment environment; more corporate bodies are
investing in the Nigerian economy. Our Investment Climate Reform Programme has
helped to attract over N6.8 trillion local and foreign direct investment
commitments.
have improved on our investment environment; more corporate bodies are
investing in the Nigerian economy. Our Investment Climate Reform Programme has
helped to attract over N6.8 trillion local and foreign direct investment
commitments.
Nigeria
has become the preferred destination for investment in Africa. It is ranked
first in the top 5 host economies for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in
Africa, accounting for over 20 per cent of total FDI flows into the continent.
We have streamlined bureaucratic activities at the ports to ensure greater
efficiency in the handling of ports and port-related businesses. Specifically,
we have drastically reduced the goods clearing period in our ports from about
six weeks to about one week and under. We have an ultimate target of 48 hours.
has become the preferred destination for investment in Africa. It is ranked
first in the top 5 host economies for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in
Africa, accounting for over 20 per cent of total FDI flows into the continent.
We have streamlined bureaucratic activities at the ports to ensure greater
efficiency in the handling of ports and port-related businesses. Specifically,
we have drastically reduced the goods clearing period in our ports from about
six weeks to about one week and under. We have an ultimate target of 48 hours.
We
have put in place, a new visa policy that makes it easier for legitimate
investors to receive long stay visas. We have achieved a 24-hour timeline for
registration of new businesses, leading to the registration of close to 7, 000
companies within the second quarter of 2012.
have put in place, a new visa policy that makes it easier for legitimate
investors to receive long stay visas. We have achieved a 24-hour timeline for
registration of new businesses, leading to the registration of close to 7, 000
companies within the second quarter of 2012.
The
Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has disclosed that, as at July 2012,
249 new members across the country had joined the Association, and that
capacity utilization has also improved. The multiplier effect of this
development on our job creation programme cannot be over-emphasized.
Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has disclosed that, as at July 2012,
249 new members across the country had joined the Association, and that
capacity utilization has also improved. The multiplier effect of this
development on our job creation programme cannot be over-emphasized.
In
the last two years, we have put in place structures for an upgrade of the
country’s health sector, to promote in every respect, the individual citizen’s
right to quality, affordable and accessible healthcare.
the last two years, we have put in place structures for an upgrade of the
country’s health sector, to promote in every respect, the individual citizen’s
right to quality, affordable and accessible healthcare.
In
this regard, we are devoting resources under the Subsidy Reinvestment Program
(SURE-P) to reducing malaria incidents, dramatically reducing maternal and
child mortality, and eradicating polio.
this regard, we are devoting resources under the Subsidy Reinvestment Program
(SURE-P) to reducing malaria incidents, dramatically reducing maternal and
child mortality, and eradicating polio.
Fellow
Nigerians, in recent times, we have witnessed serious security challenges in
parts of our country. We have taken pro-active measures to check the menace.
This has included constant consultation and collaboration with our neighbours
and other friendly nations on issues relating to internal and cross border
security, and the sharing of information on smuggling and illegal dealing in
small arms and light weapons.
Nigerians, in recent times, we have witnessed serious security challenges in
parts of our country. We have taken pro-active measures to check the menace.
This has included constant consultation and collaboration with our neighbours
and other friendly nations on issues relating to internal and cross border
security, and the sharing of information on smuggling and illegal dealing in
small arms and light weapons.
Our
security agencies are constantly being strengthened and repositioned for
greater efficiency. Many Nigerians have acknowledged that there has been a
significant decline in the spate of security breaches.
security agencies are constantly being strengthened and repositioned for
greater efficiency. Many Nigerians have acknowledged that there has been a
significant decline in the spate of security breaches.
While
expressing our condolences to the affected families, let me reiterate the
commitment of this Administration to ensure the safety of lives and property of
all Nigerians.
expressing our condolences to the affected families, let me reiterate the
commitment of this Administration to ensure the safety of lives and property of
all Nigerians.
Even
as we remain focused on the issue of security, the fight against the scourge of
corruption is a top priority of our Administration. We are fighting corruption
in all facets of our economy, and we are succeeding. We have put an end to
several decades of endemic corruption associated with fertilizer and tractor
procurement and distribution. We have exposed decades of scam in the management
of pensions and fuel subsidy, and ensured that the culprits are being brought
to book.
as we remain focused on the issue of security, the fight against the scourge of
corruption is a top priority of our Administration. We are fighting corruption
in all facets of our economy, and we are succeeding. We have put an end to
several decades of endemic corruption associated with fertilizer and tractor
procurement and distribution. We have exposed decades of scam in the management
of pensions and fuel subsidy, and ensured that the culprits are being brought
to book.
In
its latest report, Transparency International (TI) noted that Nigeria is the
second most improved country in the effort to curb corruption.
its latest report, Transparency International (TI) noted that Nigeria is the
second most improved country in the effort to curb corruption.
We
will sustain the effort in this direction with an even stronger determination
to strengthen the institutions that are statutorily entrusted with the task of
ending this scourge.
will sustain the effort in this direction with an even stronger determination
to strengthen the institutions that are statutorily entrusted with the task of
ending this scourge.
I
have given my commitment of non-interference in the work of the relevant
agencies and I am keeping my word. What we require is the full cooperation of
all tiers of government, and the public, especially civil society and the
media.
have given my commitment of non-interference in the work of the relevant
agencies and I am keeping my word. What we require is the full cooperation of
all tiers of government, and the public, especially civil society and the
media.
This
Administration has also introduced for the first time in Nigeria’s history, a
Performance Contract System for all Ministers, and other officials of
government. This is to further place emphasis on performance, efficiency, and
service delivery.
Administration has also introduced for the first time in Nigeria’s history, a
Performance Contract System for all Ministers, and other officials of
government. This is to further place emphasis on performance, efficiency, and
service delivery.
Fellow
Nigerians, our determined efforts on several fronts not-withstanding, our
country still faces a number of challenges.
Nigerians, our determined efforts on several fronts not-withstanding, our
country still faces a number of challenges.
Those
challenges should not deter us. In the last few weeks, for example, many of our
communities have been ravaged by floods, resulting in the loss of lives and
property, and the displacement of persons.
challenges should not deter us. In the last few weeks, for example, many of our
communities have been ravaged by floods, resulting in the loss of lives and
property, and the displacement of persons.
I
want to reassure all affected Nigerians that I share in their grief, and our
Administration is taking steps to address these incidents, in collaboration
with the States and Local Governments.
want to reassure all affected Nigerians that I share in their grief, and our
Administration is taking steps to address these incidents, in collaboration
with the States and Local Governments.
I
have received the interim Report of the Presidential team that I set up to
assess the flooding situation across the country.
have received the interim Report of the Presidential team that I set up to
assess the flooding situation across the country.
The
Federal Government has taken measures to assist the affected States, while
considering long term measures to check future reoccurrence.
Federal Government has taken measures to assist the affected States, while
considering long term measures to check future reoccurrence.
We
must continue to work together, confidently and faithfully, to ensure that our
country’s potentials are realised to the fullest; that our dreams are
translated into reality; and that our goals are achieved.
must continue to work together, confidently and faithfully, to ensure that our
country’s potentials are realised to the fullest; that our dreams are
translated into reality; and that our goals are achieved.
Let
me reiterate that our administration is committed to the pursuit of fundamental
objectives of an open society: the pursuit of freedom, security and prosperity
for the Nigerian people, and the rule of law.
me reiterate that our administration is committed to the pursuit of fundamental
objectives of an open society: the pursuit of freedom, security and prosperity
for the Nigerian people, and the rule of law.
In
the next few days, I shall lay before the National Assembly the 2013 Federal
Budget Proposal so that deliberations can commence in earnest on the key
policies, programmes and projects that will mark a decisive year for our
development and transformation.
the next few days, I shall lay before the National Assembly the 2013 Federal
Budget Proposal so that deliberations can commence in earnest on the key
policies, programmes and projects that will mark a decisive year for our
development and transformation.
I
have no doubt that by the time I address you on our next independence
anniversary, many of our reform efforts would have yielded even better results.
have no doubt that by the time I address you on our next independence
anniversary, many of our reform efforts would have yielded even better results.
Over
the years, several leaders have built on the foundation laid by our Founding
Fathers. The baton is now in our hands. Let me assure all Nigerians that we
shall not fail.
the years, several leaders have built on the foundation laid by our Founding
Fathers. The baton is now in our hands. Let me assure all Nigerians that we
shall not fail.
I
am confident that Nigeria will continue to be a source of pride to its
citizens; to Africa and the Black Race and to humanity; a land that is known
for progress, freedom, peace and the promotion of human dignity.
am confident that Nigeria will continue to be a source of pride to its
citizens; to Africa and the Black Race and to humanity; a land that is known
for progress, freedom, peace and the promotion of human dignity.
May
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God bless you all.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God bless you all.
