Economy: We must produce our food locally - Buhari
Fri Mar 18, 2016 11:10:am National
6.5K By sosa hills
President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday in Abuja that his administration would vigorously implement policies to revive Nigeria's agricultural sector and reposition it as the mainstay of the national economy.
He spoke at the State House, Abuja when he received the new Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Vesselin Blagoer Delcher.
President said diversification of the economy into agriculture would help Nigeria become self sufficient in food production as continued importation of food could expose the country to more external shocks.
The President noted that the unbridled importation of food also contributed to the depletion of the country's foreign reserves and deprives citizens of job opportunities.
‘‘We must produce what we eat. We don't have unlimited resources to continue the importation of food items that can be produced locally.
"Fortunately, some Nigerians have shown foresight by building factories that process agricultural products within the country.
‘‘They have created a value chain that boosts employment, protects our foreign reserves and safeguards the economy from external shocks.
"We will do all that we can to encourage others to join in the effort to achieve national self-sufficiency in food production," President Buhari said.
The President said that his administration would encourage Nigerian farmers to adopt modern, technology-driven methods that guarantee higher production and returns on investment.
He spoke at the State House, Abuja when he received the new Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Vesselin Blagoer Delcher.
President said diversification of the economy into agriculture would help Nigeria become self sufficient in food production as continued importation of food could expose the country to more external shocks.
The President noted that the unbridled importation of food also contributed to the depletion of the country's foreign reserves and deprives citizens of job opportunities.
‘‘We must produce what we eat. We don't have unlimited resources to continue the importation of food items that can be produced locally.
"Fortunately, some Nigerians have shown foresight by building factories that process agricultural products within the country.
‘‘They have created a value chain that boosts employment, protects our foreign reserves and safeguards the economy from external shocks.
"We will do all that we can to encourage others to join in the effort to achieve national self-sufficiency in food production," President Buhari said.
The President said that his administration would encourage Nigerian farmers to adopt modern, technology-driven methods that guarantee higher production and returns on investment.
Related News
Leave a comment...