The Minister of Trade and Investments, Olusegun Aganga has given the ministry's directors and chief executives (CEOs) of parastatals datelines to meet within their key performance indicators handed to them.

Speaking in Abuja during the signing of performance contract with the directors and CEOs, the minister said that the objective of the performance contract was to ensure that those entrusted with leadership positions delivered on their respective mandates to the Nigerian people.

He said: "Recall that recently, President Goodluck Jonathan signed a performance contract with all the ministers. It was the first time in the history of Nigeria where ministers were asked to sign performance contract with the president. This clearly demonstrates that the ministers will be held accountable in terms of delivering on their mandates.

"On the other hand, ministers are also expected to sign performance contracts with the permanent secretaries, Directors-General of all their parastatals and directors in their ministries. The objective of signing the performance contract is very clear. We want everybody to be performance -focused.

"By doing this, we will be focused on how we deploy our human and financial resources to improve the lives and welfare of the Nigerian people. When you present a budget for a project, you must be able to justify why that amount should be allocated to you and what the country will get in return."

He explained that the key performance indicators are designed after due consultation with the permanent secretary, directors and chief executive officers of various agencies and parastatals within the ministry, adding that the KPIs would be reviewed to reflect emerging developments.