President Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated the commitment of his administration to the progressive development of Nigeria and the consolidation of peace, unity and democratic governance.
He gave the assurance in a New Year message to the nation, noting that despite several challenges, the year 2013 witnessed many positive developments in critical sectors of the nation’s economy. He therefore, pledged to build on the achievements recorded in 2014.
President Jonathan posited that the Year 2014 is particularly significant to us as a people because it marks 100 years of the amalgamation of the Southern Protectorates and the Northern protectorates, insisting it was not a mistake but rather, a blessing.
He recalled, “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,” he said.
President Jonathan also highlighted the major achievements of his administration in the various sectors such as education, health, aviation, petroleum, job creation, agriculture, transportation and others, assuring that he would continue to implement the transformation agenda for the benefit of the people.
He said further that “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
“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”.
To further block leakages, the President said foreign travel by government personnel will be further curtailed. He said the directive will 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,” he assured.
On the security challenge confronting the nation, President Jonathan said allocation of over N600 billion to defence and police in 2014 budget is a clear indication of the serious the federal government attach to containing insurgency.
He also stressed the determination of the federal government to ensure that the Independent National electoral Commission (INEC) conducts credible elections in 2015. Therefore, he pledged the support of his administration to INEC ahead of the poll.
However, the president said the task of making Nigeria 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,” he said.
