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.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh in a statement on Sunday
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 spectrums 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 favoruably 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.