The Federal Government has promised to ensure security of lives and property in the north east but called for the support of both public and private sectors in the rebuilding process and creation of employment to re-engage the youth.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, who gave the assurance at the closing of the Nigerian Economic Summit, said that there can be no development without peace in the country.
He said that 90% of the budget of north-eastern states was presently spent on security alone, which required that the area be given appropriate support from all quarters to restore peace in the region and the country as a whole.
Discussions to round up the 3-day economic summit were centred on security and peace in Nigeria and how to bridge the gaps in current strategies, mitigation measures and improving early warning signals, all towards facilitating a sustainable business environment.
Key among the resolutions was that development and peace are interlinked and that Nigeria must begin to make provisions for life beyond the restoration of peace to ensure it is sustained.
They emphasised the need to invest in the youth who are believed to be the greatest challenge in the current security crisis.
The nature of governance over the years, as well as the state of the country’s economy are said to have a big influence on the sort of insecurity plaguing the country.
Several issues raised at the Economic Summit, spanning all sectors of the economy, are all geared towards giving Nigeria a competitive advantage through sustained and inclusive growth.
For this to happen, tough choices must be made to change the norm in many areas and key among the changes are obsolete legislation, investment in education, effectiveness of public institutions, infrastructure deficit and job creation.
