FROM NAHUN SULE, JALINGO

Former Vice President and two-time presidential candidate of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has warned that Nigeria cannot achieve economic growth with the current security challenges facing it.

The former vice president therefore encouraged the federal government to strive to tackle the menacing insecurity that has spread all over the country, stressing that a stable and secure business environment will not only attract investments but also lead to economic growth.

Atiku stated this while speaking at the Taraba International Investment Summit, tagged ‘Taravest,’ in Jalingo, the Taraba State, on Wednesday.

He emphasized that Taraba’s economy holds significant investment potential and could be utilised to reap the benefits with the provision of a stable and secure investment climate.

He listed agriculture, solid minerals and tourism as strategic sectors that could spearhead the development of the North east state, and urged the government to implement measures that will address investment risks and eliminate bottlenecks.

“The government is urged to implement measures that will address investment risks and implement interventions, and eliminate bottlenecks.

“Peace, security, and stability in host communities are critical determinants of investment flows,” he said.

He identified efforts that should direct the government’s efforts in attracting investment to include an investment generation that is well-designed with clear goals, objectives, and strategies, as well as clear, coherent, and consistent policy measures.

Atiku explained that efficient institutions would make all the difference, improve the supply and quality of infrastructure, and hence, are the backbone of sustainable development.