Oil Price Fall Will Not Affect Nigeria – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has said despite the disturbing downward slope in global oil price, that domestic economy would remain stable.

The Nation reports that the President gave the assurance on Thursday when a delegation of multinational industrial giant, General Electric (GE), led by its Vice Chairman and CEO, Mr. John Rice, paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to a statement issued after the meeting by Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Jonathan stated that the Federal Government would do everything possible to maintain domestic economic stability, and urged the company to maintain its confidence in the country.

“We promise our people that even with the drop in oil prices, the economy will be stable.

“I urge you to maintain the confidence you have in this country before the oil price drop, and even expect better management from us.

“Sometimes, it is when you are challenged that you do better than when everything looks good.

“So, I assure you, other investors in this country and all Nigerians that the government will do everything necessary to stabilise the economy and that the drop in the price of crude oil will not create so much distortion in our economy,” he reiterated.

President Jonathan thanked GE for its commitment to increase its investment in Nigeria with the attendant benefit of job creation for many more Nigerians.

He also welcomed GE’s plans to set up a facility in Calabar to manufacture components for the oil and gas sectors.

Speaking during the meeting, Rice told the President that GE has committed about $30 million to the development of the Calabar Plant and was already undertaking the training abroad of some Nigerians who will work there.