President Buhari To Merkel: We Respect Laws and Regulations| Jeremy Spell Blog

President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in
Abuja said his administration will always
uphold the sanctity of the rule of law in
governing the country, while assuring
German Chancellor Angel Merkel that all
agreements will be fully respected.
President Buhari received the German
Chancellor, who was accompanied by top
government officials and a business
delegation, at the Presidential Villa.
In his remarks during a bilateral meeting,
the President said unity and harmony in
every society can only be preserved by
observing the rule of law, and ensuring that
agreements reached in good faith are
followed through to the mutual benefit of
countries.
President Buhari told Chancellor Merkel and
members of her delegation that the rule of
law embodies all the rightful mechanisms
for conflict resolution, both within the
country, and in dealing with all foreign
partners, assuring that his administration
remains focused on delivering a peaceful,
economically viable and politically stable
polity to all Nigerians.
The President said Nigeria remains grateful
to the German government for the fair
treatment of migrants.
President Buhari said Nigeria looks forward
to improving its trade figures with
Germany, which had taken strong interest
in investing in the country and supporting
the government in providing effective
services in security, education and creation
of jobs.
The President said his administration
instituted reforms in the economy to make
it more internationally attractive and
business friendly for investors, noting that
infrastructure development had been a
priority, especially in power supply, road
and rail constructions.
President Buhari said the economy was
already responding to the diversification
reforms and the stimulus of the
government as growth is now largely
driven by the non-oil sector.
The President said Nigeria was politically
stable, urging German investors to take
advantage of the friendly climate.
“I enjoin you to invest in Nigeria because
this is the best time to do so,’’ he added.
President Buhari noted that the successful
political transitions since 1999 were clear
indications of the country’s stability and
preparedness to welcome more
investments that will bolster the economy.
In her remarks at the meeting, Chancellor
Merkel said Germany is prepared to further
strengthen bilateral and business relations
with Nigeria, which, according to her,
controls 60 per cent of ECOWAS economy.
The German Chancellor said the population
growth and opportunities in the economy
can always be explored to improve
employment situation in the country.
Chancellor Merkel said the three Memoranda
of Understanding signed during the visit
represent a starting point for a healthier
and deeper partnership with Nigeria in
areas of security, trade, immigration and
education.
The Federal Government signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with
Volkswagen of South Africa for the
manufacturing of Volkswagen vehicles in
Nigeria, while Nigeria Incentive-based Risk
Sharing System for Agricultural Lending
(NIRSAL Plc) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with Petkus Technologies
GMBH for the supply of seed and grain
processing machines.
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of
Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture
also signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with German African
Business Association on fostering trade and
investment.