Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that the foiled terror attack on a U.S. plane by a Nigerian, Farouk Mutallab, had created another major challenge for the country.

Jonathan stated this at a Christmas thanksgiving service at the Living Faith Church, Winners' Chapel, Durumi, Abuja.

The Vice-President addressed the congregation shortly after a sermon by the presiding Bishop David Abioye.

He said that the unfortunate incident would from now on, subject honest Nigerians travelling outside the country to unnecessary harassment and search.

Jonathan also listed fuel scarcity, kidnapping, armed robbery, poor economy and poor state of infrastructure, as among other challenges confronting the nation.

He, however, expressed optimism that with prayers, change of attitude by Nigerians and commitment by the government, the challenges would be surmounted.

"As rightly mentioned, obviously, we have our challenges and the government is fully aware of all these.

"We are talking about fuel scarcity, especially, in Abuja and some other cities.

"We are talking about kidnapping especially in the South-South and South-East.

"We are also talking of armed robbery cases across the country. The economy is not as expected, the infrastructure is still not where we want it to be.

"Recently, again, a Nigerian has created another additional problem for us by wanting to blow up an aircraft.

"That means that those Nigerians who will be travelling out of this country will be subjected to unnecessary harassment and search.

"These are part of our challenges. But, sometimes, it is said that it is darker toward the dawn.

"I believe that as a country, with the commitment of all, we will get over all these. We trust in God and God will not disappoint Nigeria," he said.