The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has said agriculture is the future of Nigeria’s economy, insisting that it was time for each of the component unit of the country to look inward for new revenue streams.
Governor Bello stated this when he visited the Nigerian Consul General at the Nigerian House in New York, United States of Nigeria.
The Governor, who said each of the states in Nigeria has what it takes to generate new streams of revenue, disclosed that he has been working toward repositioning Niger State since May 29, 2015 into an agro-based economy.
Bello 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 was time we look beyond oil for new revenue stream.
“Fortunately, each state has what it takes to create a new economic future for Nigeria.
“In Niger State, we are already deploying new strategies and skills in repositioning it for investment.
“We will continue to work hard despite challenges.
“That is why we will continue to reach out to investors across the globe.
“We need investors as much as they need us.
“They will come with financing opportunities, news skills, new technology and new markets.”
Governor Bello said Niger State has huge, untapped resources in agriculture, tourism, sport and solid minerals, adding that he was determined to make the state investment-friendly for local and foreign investors.
Earlier in his remarks, the Acting Consul General, Consulate-General of Nigeria, New York, Nicholas Ella, commended Bello’s zeal and determination in wooing local and foreign investors to the state.
Ella urged him not to relent in the effort to reposition Niger State as an invest-friendly one.
On Bello’s delegation were the Member, Niger State House of Assembly, representing Bida 11 and Chairman House Committee on Works, Hon. Mohammed Alhaji Haruna; the Chief of Staff, Hon. Mikhail Al-Amin Bmitosahi; the Commissioner for Investment, Hajiya Ramatu Yar’adua; thr Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe; and the Commissioner for Justice, Nasara Danmallam.