President Muhammadu Buhari has said that because Oil Revenues will no longer suffice a major revenue earner, Nigerians must learn to rely on agriculture.
Buhari made this statement while addressing Dr Kanayo Nwanze, the Nigerian born President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said “It’s time to go back to the land. We must face the reality that the petroleum we had depended on for so long will no longer suffice. We campaigned heavily on agriculture, and we are ready to assist as many want to go into agricultural ventures.
“There is so much to be done. We will try and articulate a programme and consult organisations like IFAD for advice.”
Buhari promised that his administration will ensure that the necessary assistance is available to farmers.
Dr Nwanze also added that “Nigeria has the largest portfolio of IFAD’s investment in Western and Central Africa and the second largest in Africa.
“But the case point here is that this country has all the endowments that it takes not only for it to produce enough food for its population but also to be the bread basket of region.
“And this is where my institution on my behalf, I offered our services and our support in the agenda of rural transformation as a key ingrate in this country’s economic and social development.”