Avoid Nigeria’s Economic Mistake, Buhari Tells South Sudan

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday warned the authorities of South Sudan to avoid the mistake made by Nigeria in its over-reliance on oil revenue.He urged them to invest more in

agriculture and not to be solely dependent on oil revenues to grow the nation’s economy.According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President spoke
while receiving the outgoing South Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Makuet Riak, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.He told the outgoing envoy that Nigeria’s economy, which had been heavily dependent on oil over the years, had been adversely affected by the drop in global oil prices.“Investing in sustainable agriculture is one of the best ways to provide jobs for the people and keep the nation productive.“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,’’ the President said. Buhari also praised the excellent relations between Nigeria and South Sudan and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the existing bilateral ties.