President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has reaffirmed his confidence in Nigeria's ability to overcome its present challenges and emerge as a very strong, united, stable and economically-progressive nation.

Speaking at a farewell audience with the outgoing Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Stefan Scholz in Abuja, on Thursday, September 13, President Jonathan said that his administration was steadfastly evolving and implementing policies and measures to tackle the country's current developmental challenges, including those related to national security and power supply.

The President told Dr. Scholz that some of the positive effects of the policies, measures and actions being implemented by the Federal Government will become increasingly apparent in coming months.

President Jonathan commended the outgoing Ambassador for his efforts to improve bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Austria, noting that trade and economic relations between both countries had improved significantly during his tenure. "You have done wonderfully well and we are quite pleased with what you have achieved here," he told Dr. Scholz.

Dr. Scholz described his tenure in Nigeria as a great "honour, privilege and opportunity" to get new perspectives on development.

He praised the Federal Government's Agenda for National Transformation and pledged that Austria will continue to give Nigeria all possible support and assistance towards its successfully implementation.