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Government to study Iranian model in diversifying economy, says Buhari

By Mohammed Abubakar
26 July 2016   |   4:01 am
Receiving Mohammad Javad Zarif, a special envoy from his Iranian counterpart, Hassan Rouhani at the State House, yesterday, Buhari said the Iranian economy remains an inspiration for Nigeria to deploy technology...
President Muhammadu Buhari with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif at the State House, Abuja, on Monday, July 25, 2016. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

President Muhammadu Buhari with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif at the State House, Abuja, on Monday, July 25, 2016. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the Federal Government would understudy the experience of Iran, which thrives in adversity, to diversify Nigeria’s economy.

Receiving Mohammad Javad Zarif, a special envoy from his Iranian counterpart, Hassan Rouhani at the State House, yesterday, Buhari said the Iranian economy remains an inspiration for Nigeria to deploy technology to harness and export gas, agriculture to grow food for the populace and promote entrepreneurship in education.

Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina quoted Buhari as saying that the progress made by Iran within 30 years is really commendable. “You have been able to harness gas flaring and you are now exporting. You have recorded strides in security, manufacturing, agriculture and technology.”

The President further said, “You have also achieved a lot in nuclear research. I must also congratulate you for successfully negotiating with America and the European countries on the development of your nuclear energy.”

Buhari maintained that Nigeria has all the potential to grow into a great economy through more inclusive planning, consistency in government policies and commitment to realising development targets.

“In Nigeria, we are learning the hard way, through hardship, and we are learning very quickly on how to explore other sectors of the economy like gas, solid minerals and agriculture for growth,” he said.

Buhari told the envoy, “We are grateful for your support and cooperation in opening up the Nigerian economy for diversification.”

In his remarks, the Iranian envoy, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the Iranian government would support the ongoing restructuring of the Nigerian economy, explaining, “We are very keen to see a better and stronger relationship with Nigeria, which is the largest country in Africa and a major global player.”

Zarif said he came into Nigeria with a delegation of more than 70 members of the Iranian business community, who had already started discussions in investing in sectors like banking, education, scholarship, agriculture, energy, tourism and technology development.

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