President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday urged the South Sudanese government to invest more in agriculture and not to be solely dependent on oil revenues to grow the nation’s economy.
Speaking at a meeting with the outgoing South Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Makuet Riak, held at the State House in Abuja, President Buhari said South Sudan could avoid the mistake made by Nigeria in her over-reliance on crude oil revenue.
“Investing in sustainable agriculture is one of the best ways to provide jobs for the people and keep the nation productive,” Buhari said.
“Food security is important to any country and that is what we are trying to achieve here, years after we ‘threw away’ agriculture for oil.”
President Buhari also praised the excellent relations between Nigeria and South Sudan and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening existing bilateral ties.
Ambassador Riak described his four-year duty tour as his country’s first ambassador to Nigeria as very fruitful.
He said South Sudan was blessed with fertile land and would welcome more investments from Nigerian companies.
