Acting President Goodluck Jonathan says the present administration is focused on laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth and development of Nigeria’s economy, noting that the target of the government is to attract private sector funding and expertise as part of the effort of his administration’s resolve to transform the economy. The acting president made this known during the week while declaring open the National Council of Finance and Economic Development Conference 2010, held at the prestigious Le Meridien Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, Uyo.

The acting president who was represented at the occasion by the Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, described the theme of the conference entitled “The Emergence of The Nigerian Economy From The Global Crises” as apt, taking into consideration the current challenges faced by the Nigerian economy against the backdrop of developments in the international economic and financial environments.

The acting president maintained that implementation of sectoral reforms and initiatives aimed at fostering economic stability, including investments in critical infrastructure among other far reaching economic reforms are anchored on the President’s 7-Points Agenda and the National Vision 20:2020 Strategic Development Initiative, aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy.

On the vision of his administration for 2010, the acting president assured that the 2010 Appropriation recently passed by the National Assembly is aimed at accelerating economic recovery through targeted fiscal intervention intended to stimulate the economy.

Also addressing participants, the Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Remi Babalola assured of the preparedness of the Federal Ministry of Finance to translate the vision of government in its resolve to move the economy forward to a reality. He showered praises on Governor Godswill Akpabio for the visible transformations witnessed in the state and called on other state governors to emulate Governor Akpabio.

Governor Akpabio who was represented by his deputy, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu, welcomed the dignitaries to the state and reiterated the resolve of his government to put in place, sustainable infrastructure to boost the state’s economy. He enumerated some of the achievements of his administration, noting that since assumption of office, his administration has utilized resources at its disposal effectively in the provision of people oriented services and projects. The governor expressed delight at the choice of Akwa Ibom State for the conference.

In attendance at the conference were, the Accountant General of the Federation, Commissioners of Finance from the 36 states of the federation, Accountants and Auditor General from all the states in the Federation, and members of the State Executive Council, among other dignitaries.