The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Development, Dr. Shehu Ahmed, stated this at the Sasakawa Africa Association 2016 Annual Review and Planning Workshop held at the NAERLS/ABU Zaria yesterday.
Represented by the Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Mr. Alphonsus Onwuemeka, the permanent secretary said with the dwindling oil revenue it is now imperative and indeed compelling for Nigeria to diversify its economy, having been virtually dependent on petroleum for many decades.
He said: “The country must, therefore, move from oil dependency to a more diversified economy, as the domestic economy is always susceptible to external revenue shocks when oil price falls.”
The permanent secretary further observed that Sasakawa has improved Nigerian agricultural productivity and production by transferring new improved technologies through extension.
The Deputy Country Director, Sasakawa Global 2000, Professor Sani Miko Sagagi, said the workshop is aimed at reviewing 2015 activities and finding ways to improve where necessary.
Professor Sasagi said the group will interact with farmers and other stakeholders on how to improve productivity in farm produce.
