Shettima: Nigeria Must Harness Resources to Avoid Poverty

On Wednesday, during the Agricultural Development Investment Summit in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima asserted that Nigeria has no reason to remain poor due to its vast natural resources and economic potential. He emphasized that Nigeria could be one of the richest nations in the world if its resources are properly harnessed.

Shettima pointed to Indonesia's achievements in the oil palm sector as a strategic example, noting that despite being an oil-producing country, Indonesia is projected to earn $25 billion from crude palm oil exports by 2025, which would exceed Nigeria's earnings from crude oil exports. He highlighted the Niger Delta as the world's third-largest delta, with significant potential for mariculture, including fish farming of species such as salmon, tuna, and lobster.

Shettima maintained that Nigeria's agricultural and marine resources could effectively transform the nation's economy and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.