TheCable

President Goodluck Jonathan says he has given approval of about $1 billion for Nigeria to improve its security capability.

He was speaking at the opening session of the World Economic Forum Africa holding in Abuja.

He highlighted terrorism and kidnap-for-ransom as new and “strange” security challenges Nigeria is facing and said it would take a while for any country to contain these threats.

No country in the world can boast of eliminating terrorism quickly, he said, pointing to the frequent shooting incidents in the United States as an example of how super powers still battle with security challenges.

“Until a Nigerian boy tried to bomb an airliner (in 2009), we always thought terrorism was far away from us,” he said.

He did not expatiate on how the $1 billion would be spent, but spoke about building the country’s security “architecture” in response to the new challenges.

He also praised world leaders and the over 1000 participants for attending the forum, saying their action was a major blow to terrorists.

The founder of World Economic Forum (WEF)‎, Prof.Klaus Schwab, said by attending the programme, the participants have spoken with one voice that terrorism will never dictate the agenda for economic development.

Jonathan said: “Nigeria is proud to host this event for the first time the conference is coming to West Africa‎.

“Let me use this unique opportunity to appreciate you for accepting to come. As a nation we are facing attacks of terrorists.

“Let me appreciate you individually and collectively in your support for us, your sentiments and ‎by your presence here in Nigeria at this time. You have already supported us to win the war on terror.

“If you had refused to come because of fear, the terrorists would have jubilated and even committed more havoc. But your coming here to support us morally is a major blow ‎to terrorists.”

He thanked all the countries that have expressed interest in helping to rescue Chibok girls.