The governor of Kaduna state, Uba Sani, Tuesday attributed Nigeria’s economic struggles to the abandonment of agriculture for crude oil.
Speaking at a one-day lecture organised by the Arewa Think Tank Tuesday, the governor praised President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, saying it is aimed at resetting Nigeria’s economy and placing it on the path to sustainable growth and development.
The governor acknowledged the challenges associated with Tinubu’s bold reforms, admitting that Nigerians are experiencing pains, but stated that the difficulties are temporary.
“With just a little more patience and perseverance, we shall start reaping the fruits of the reforms.
“In fact, we are already turning the corner. The economy is fast improving, and very soon, the positive impact of the reforms will be felt by Nigerians. What the president needs at this critical time is the support of our people,” the governor said.
He highlighted the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a transformative blueprint designed to reposition Nigeria as a global investment hub and noted that the agenda, anchored on democracy, development, and diaspora engagement, is being vigorously implemented with patriotic zeal.
The governor added that prioritising agriculture is essential for transforming Nigeria and lifting its citizens out of poverty. He reflected on the country’s agricultural strength at independence, when regions used agricultural revenue to build critical infrastructure and develop human capital.
“At independence, agriculture was the mainstay of our economy. However, with the discovery of oil, we abandoned agriculture, and we are poorer for it.
“We must return to agriculture and invest heavily in it, as it holds the key to addressing poverty, unemployment, and insecurity,” he stated.