Nigeria has reassured the international community, especially delegates to next month’s World Economic Forum (WEF) to be hosted in the country’s capital, Abuja, that the country remains safe and ready for the event.

The reassurance was contained in a statement from the WEF Secretariat jointly signed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the Chief Economic Advisor to the President, Nwanze Okidegbe. Below is the text of the statement dated April 14, 2014:

“Dear Forum Compatriots,

“In the light of Monday’s suspected act of terrorism in the town of Nyanya, on the border of the Federal capital Territory and Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria, We would like to take this opportunity to assure you of your safety during your participation at the upcoming World Economic Forum on Africa 2014.

“By way of response, Nigeria’s security agencies are currently in the middle of a robust and thorough investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“Our security planning for the WEF on Africa is already well under way and will be the largest security operation ever mounted in this country for an international summit. In total, over 6,000 security personnel, consisting of police and army will be deployed, covering a secure area the size of 250 square kilometers.

“As a matter of routine, we constantly review these arrangements to ensure their suitability against any potential threat.

“We thank those that have already shown concern and would share with you our deep commitment that today’s tragic event would not stop us from delivering on our promise to host a world-class meeting next month.”

•Photo shows Okonjo-Iweala.