The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged the Federal
Government to embark on sustained diversification of the nation’s
economy in a bid to free it from further dependence on oil and gas.
The call was contained in a seven-point communiqué signed by the NGE
Secretary, Isaac Ighure, at the end of a four-day conference held in
Asaba, Delta, from August 21 to August 24.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 9th All Nigerian
Editors’ Conference with the theme, “Nigeria Beyond Oil: Role of the
Editor,’’ was chaired by a one-time Ogun Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba.
The guild suggested that agriculture, tourism and other non-oil
sources should be “intensively explored to avert the catastrophic
consequences of a future without oil.”
The statement said financial institutions and funding agencies should
provide increased funding to non-oil sectors, especially agriculture,
small and medium enterprises and manufacturing.
“It is imperative for Nigeria to embark on deliberate and sustained
diversification of its economy, weaning itself from dependence on oil
and gas as a major revenue earner.
“There should be an integrated approach to diversification of the
economy by involving all sectors, curbing corruption and wastage, and
improving governance to ensure the survival of the country beyond oil.’’
The editors also called on the government to fast track efforts
toward improving infrastructure, particularly in the power sector,
transportation and telecommunications.
They stressed the need for the country to add value to oil and gas
resources through the production of by-products for local consumption
and export.
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