Buhari Warns South-Sudan Of Falling Into Mono-Cultural Economy

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement made available to newsmen by his Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, warned the Government of Sudan and South-Sudan to avoid the pitfalls of falling into the trap of mono-cultural economy by diversifying.

Buhari has said his administration will continue to welcome support and investments from the international community in the agricultural and solid minerals sectors as Nigeria moves to reduce dependence on crude oil.

Buhari, who played host to the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Sweden to Nigeria, Mr. Svante Kilander, in the State House, assured that the Federal Government would create the enabling environment for local and foreign investments in farming, animal husbandry, fishery and the exploration of solid minerals.

He said a planned visit by some Swedish trade and investment delegations to the country later in the year would further encourage the ongoing process of diversifying the Nigerian economy.

Buhari commended the Swedish government for the support extended to Nigeria in catering for the needs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North East and the ongoing reconstruction of the areas affected by terrorist attacks.

In his remarks, the Swedish Ambassador said his country was pleased with the sweeping changes taking place across the country with clear results in the fight against terrorism and corruption.

Kilander said his country would continue to strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria by encouraging more trade and investments between both countries.

In another development, Buhari while receiving special envoys from President Salva Kiir Mayardit of the Republic of South Sudan and President Al-Bashir of the Republic of Sudan separately, advised the two countries to avoid the trap of getting into a mono-cultural economy like Nigeria by diversifying their economies early.

The leader of the South Sudan delegation, who is a Senior Presidential Adviser on Peace, Mr. Nhial Deng Nhial and the leader of the Sudan delegation, Ismail Abdul-Raheem, who is the State Minister, Foreign Affairs, assured Buhari of their commitment to strengthen bilateral relations.

Both envoys commended Nigeria for the leadership role it had played to ensure peace and stability in their countries.