Nigeria’s economic future in agric not oil – Bello

By Aideloje Ojo Minna

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state has said the future of the nation’s economy “does not lie in oil, but in agriculture.” Bello stated this recently when he visited the Nigerian Consul-General at the Nigerian House in New York. He said each of the states in Nigeria had “what it takes to generate new streams of revenue through agriculture,” addingthat he had been working toward repositioning Niger state since May 29, 2015, into an agro-based economy.

He said: “It is very clear from the current reality in Nigeria and the dictate of the global economy that the future of Nigeria economy does not lie in oil revenue. It lies in agriculture, solid mineral, tourism, sports and other untapped potentials. It is time we look beyond oil for new revenue stream. Fortunately, each state has what it take to create new economic future for Nigeria.” According to him, the “state is already deploying new strategies and skills in repositioning for investment; and will continue to work hard, despite challenges.”

“Th at is why we will continue to reach out to investors across the globe. We need investors as much as they need us. Th ey will come with fi nancing opportunities, new skills and technology and new markets.” Bello said the state had huge untapped resources in agriculture, tourism, sport and solid minerals, adding that he was determined to make the state investmentfriendly for local and foreign investors. In his remarks, Acting Consul General, Consulate- General of Nigeria, New York, Nicholas Ella, commended Governor Bello’s zeal and determination in wooing local and foreign investors to the state, urging the governor not to relent in the eff ort to reposition the state as an invest-friendly environment.

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