From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has given assurance that his administration would vigorously implement policies to revive agricultural sector as the mainstay of the economy.
He stated this when he received the new Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Vesselin Blagoer Delcher, at the Presidential Villa iin Abuja yesterday who came to present his letter of credence.
The President said that his administration would evolve and implement policies that would help Nigeria become self-sufficient in food production as continued importation of food could expose the country to more external shocks.
Buhari noted that the unbridled importation of food also contributed to the depletion of the nation’s foreign reserves and robbed the 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,” Buhari said.
“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 we can to encourage others to join in the effort to achieve national self-sufficiency in food production,” he added.
Buhari said the Federal Government would also encourage Nigerian farmers to adopt modern technology-driven methods that guarantee higher production and returns on investment.
The President, who also received Mr. Paul Lehmann, the new High Commissioner of Australia, Hajiya Afsatu Olayinka Ebiso-Kabba, the new High Commissioner of Sierra-Leone and Thordur Aegir Oskarsson, the new Ambassador of Iceland, told them that Nigeria would welcome the further strengthening of relations with their countries, especially in the agriculture, solid minerals and trade.
The President wished the four envoys, who present their letters of credence to him, very successful tenures in Nigeria.