The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi has stated that a stable democracy, which only credible election could engender requires an equally strong economy to enable the citizens fulfill their individual and collective aspirations.
In his goodwill message to the 10th All Nigerian Editors Conference, which ended in Katsina State at the weekend, Mr Akpobolokemi expressed optimism that the Nigerian economy was growing in leaps and bounds as demonstrated by increasing volume of trade and foreign direct investment, and it would experience further growth given the consciousness to further strengthen the country’s democracy.
The Director General, who was represented by the Deputy Director/Head of Public Relations, Mr Isichei Osamgbi, said the theme of the conference – Credible Elections and Good Governance, the Role of the Editor – was quite apt at a time when Nigeria was putting finishing touches to the next general elections.
Mr Akpobolokemi said Nigerians had reasons to be optimistic about the future as the economy had been acknowledged to be on track to become one of the 20 largest economies in the world by 2020. According to the NIMASA Director General, Nigeria had been classified among MINT countries projected to be future economic leader, which included Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey
