The minister of justice and attorney general of the federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has said that his ministry saved Nigeria from total economic collapse which would have been brought about if P&ID had succeeded in enforcing an arbitral award of over $10billion on the country.
Malami made the disclosure in a speech he delivered at a management retreat for his ministry with the Theme: “Enhancing System and Structures in the Federal Ministry of Justice for Effective justice Sector Service delivery” held yesterday in Kano.
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According to the minister, the ministry had also ensured the restoration of the nation to the path of growth and development through the settlement of the multi-billion-dollar adverse claims on the Ajaokuta Steel Plant.
“Our assets recovery drive has secured the sum of $322million which enabled the federal government to embark on empowerment programs which have taken over 100 million persons out of poverty as part of the national social investment programs,” he said.
The minister said the $311million recovered was deployed into critical infrastructural projects such as the Abuja-Kano and Lagos-Ibadan Expressways as well as the Second Niger Bridge.
On the security front, he said; “We have provided support for addressing security challenges (through the proscription of terrorist groups) so as to pave way for legitimate military onslaught.
He stated that there is no doubt that there is a relationship between law and development, whereby law is seen as a standard framework for achieving and measuring development.
He used the opportunity to commend Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for the support and warm reception accorded them in hosting the retreat.
Ganduje who was represented by his deputy, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, described the retreat as apt and timely, saying it would expose the judiciary staff to fully know their worth.
He commend the minister for his foresight in selecting Kano for the retreat.
