Sultan: Let’s focus on devolution of economy — NOT restructuring

Sa’ad Abubakar, sultan of Sokoto, on Monday called on Nigerians to focus on devolution of economy rather than restructuring the country.

Abubakar made the call at the Niger state investment summit in Minna.

The summit which attracted economic experts, industrialists and manufacturers as well as some state governors across the country, was organised to attract investors in various fields to boost the state’s economy.

He said the nation was blessed with human and mineral resources needed to achieve greatness.

Abubakar explained that Shiroro Dam in Niger, Goronyo Dam in Sokoto and several others across the country should be used to start all-year farming.

He said proper utilisation of the nation’s dams would enable farmers to produce assorted food crops for both local consumption and export.

“Rather than the clamour for restructuring the country, emphasis should be on federal government releasing dams across the country to state governments for massive participation of Nigerians in all-year farming seasons,” he said.

“We have the ability and technical knowledge to feed the continent with what we can produce, with the required political commitment, through the provision of modern farming implements for our teaming farmers.”

He also urged federal government to ensure early completion of Minna to Suleja road and Ilorin to Kaduna federal roads.

He said the poor condition of the roads is affecting smooth economic development of the state and the region.

The monarch called on the state government to ensure proper analysis and smooth implementation of programmes put forward by individuals and corporate organisations during the submit.

He said Nigeria was one of the best countries in the world with various mineral resources needed to better the lots of the public.