Buhari urges South Sudan to look beyond oil to grow economy

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday urged the South Sudanese Government to invest more in agriculture and not to solely depend on oil revenues to grow the nation’s economy.

A statement issued by Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said Buhari made the call when he received the outgoing South Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Makuet Riak in Abuja.

Buhari said that South Sudan should avoid the mistake made by Nigeria in her over-reliance on oil revenue.

The President told the outgoing envoy that Nigeria’s economy, which was 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,’’ he said.

The President also praised the excellent relations between Nigeria and South Sudan and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening existing bilateral ties.

In his remarks, Riak described his four-year duty tour as his country’s first ambassador to Nigeria as “very fruitful.’’
He said South Sudan was blessed with fertile land and would welcome more investments from Nigerian companies.