BUSINESS Over 1,000 delegates registered for WEF

As Nigeria prepares to host the 24th World Economic Forum Africa in May, the Federal Government has assured delegates of adequate security during and after the event.

The Supervising Minister National Planning Commission (NPC) Bashir Yuguda made this known, yesterday, in Abuja, while briefing the press in the commission’s conference room.

Yuguda said that Nigeria sought and got approval to host the 24th World Economic Forum with the theme: “Explosive Growth and Job Creation,” in 2013.

“This is the first time Nigeria is hosting it, that shows the level of confidence that the international community have in our nation’s capacity and our capacity to host this kind of international event.

“We had earlier set up about nine committees to handle various aspect of the World Economic Forum and security is the most important committee headed by the Inspector General of Police Muhammed Abubakar. That shows the importance we attached to the delegates coming to ensure their safety and the safety of all Nigerians during and after the event.

“Nigerian is guaranteeing that we will do all we can to make sure that all delegates are secured. We assure Nigerians and all coming delegates that adequate arrangement on the security is top on the agenda not even because of the recent happening on Monday but because of the value we place on security of lives.”

He said over 1,000 delegates have already registered for the events, adding that “we are still getting confirmation on delegates coming.”

He said the essence of Nigeria hosting the Forum is to increase its foreign direct investment, create conducive environment for private sector to grow and sustain its economic progress.

He added: “The theme: Explosive Growth and Job Creation which is totally in line with Nigeria’s transformation agenda, our economy is growing and we have to make it inclusive.”

You may recall the World Economic Forum office, on Monday, issued a statement that despite all the security challenges facing the country, it will go ahead to hold the event in Abuja.

The world economic event will hold between 7 and 9 May 2014, in Abuja