By Nuel Suji, Abuja.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it has in the last 15 years provided the enabling environment that empowered Nigerian entrepreneurs across board to flourish in business and economy.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olisa Metuh, on Sunday the party said meticulous application by successive PDP administrations, of policies as enshrined in the party’s ideology and manifesto has created and sustained an investment friendly environment and empowered Nigerian businesses to thrive in all spectrum of the economy.
“The growth of the private sector under the PDP has been phenomenal. This did not happen by chance. Our governments at all levels have been guided by our economic policy, which directs the creation of a dynamic
economy in which market forces are combined with the forces of partnership, solidarity and cooperation for the benefit of the people.
“The hallmark of the PDP administration remains the policy of transfer of wealth from the public sector to hardworking and enterprising Nigerians. This has not only revived and empowered the private sector but also expanded the nation’s economic frontiers with an unprecedented growth in small and medium scale enterprises, which has helped in providing employment for our citizens across the country.
“The fact remains that under the PDP, Nigerian entrepreneurs have fared better more than ever before. Under our government, more private businesses have sprung up. More banks have been opened and performing
well; the telecommunication, oil and gas and manufacturing sectors have witnessed exceptional expansion; more transport companies, hotels, farms, schools and hospitals are springing up; more reputable international retail businesses and food processing concerns have opened in our country.
“Under the PDP, our hitherto weak and unreliable banking sector has been repositioned and strengthened. Today, our nation boasts of a strong and stable banking system which has restored investor confidence and provided support for growth in other sectors of the economy. Nigerian banks are now growing stronger with many of them having hundreds of branches and business offices locally and internationally.
“Also following the conducive business environment created by successive PDP administrations, the telecommunication sector has witnessed tremendous expansion in the last 15 years with firms such as Globacom,
Etisalat, MTN, Airtel among others opening new lines and empowering millions of our people through direct and indirect employment and access to global business connections.
“In the same vein, we have witnessed a revolution in the retail sector with reputable international concerns establishing in Nigeria and recording impressive performance following the nation’s encouraging demographics and stronger purchasing power of our citizens.
“International retail giants such as Shoprite, Internationale Spar Centrale BV among others are expanding the retail frontiers. The rebirth of shopping malls in all major cities of the country attests to the empowerment of Nigerian entrepreneurs in this sub-sector.
“In the manufacturing sector, the PDP has not only revived but also revolutionized the nation’s automobile industry.Today, through the New Automobile Industry Policy initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan,
vehicles are now being manufactured in our country.
“Automobiles manufactured by Innoson Group, an indigenous firm are competing favorably in the market. Leading vehicle manufacturers such as Nissan, Hyundai, and Kia, have set up factories in Nigeria and are employing thousands of our people. This is in addition to the revitalization of Peugeot Nigeria and ANAMCO.
“Hardworking private individuals are now thriving in their business endeavors. Brand names such as the Dangotes, the INTEL Services as well as several others in food processing, hospitality, transport, construction, oil and gas are recording huge successes.
“Even in the media, there has been an unprecedented growth with Nigerians firms thriving and competing favorably in print, electronic and online ventures following the business and media-friendly environment provided by the PDP”.
Noting that the successes recorded so far came through careful planning and execution of its economic strategies, the PDP assured that with continuous implementation of its wealth creation polices, the future of the Nigerian business community is secure with attendant benefits to the citizens.
