Former US envoy tasks Nigeria on agric development

Former US envoy tasks Nigeria on agric development

The immediate past US Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Robin Sanders, has urged the Nigerian government to give priority to developing the nation’s agriculture sector.

Sanders said this on Tuesday in Lagos, south west Nigeria, while addressing reporters.

Agricultural potentials

She said that the country has agricultural potentialities and that if adequately harnessed, would make her self-sufficient in food production and even for export.

“Today, Nigeria has some 68 million young people, 74 million women. These figures will grow over the coming years with the potential of having nearly 72 million youth in the country by 2025. Therefore, Nigeria’s agricultural sector has to grow by about 60 per cent to feed the people at home, produce enough for export and provide employment for these young people,’’ she said.

Integrated agricultural system

Sanders advised government to encourage the practice of integrated agricultural system to boost food production and efficient use of resources.

The retired envoy, who noted that the country was behind in realization of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), added that Nigeria could reposition herself among nations of the world through the development of agriculture.

Sanders also urged government to ensure development in areas of manufacturing, energy, human resources, infrastructure and technology.

“Nigeria agricultural opportunities are tremendous. Nigeria therefore needs to embrace transparency and the right legal framework for efficient use of these resources,’’ she said.

Women empowerment

Sanders said to efficiently harness the nation’s agriculture sector, women should be empowered and made to have access to credit facilities.

She also stressed the need for the development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to drive the nation’s economic development process.

NAN/Shakira/Williams