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 Aug. 21 to Aug. 24.
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.
On security, the communiqué appealed to the three tiers of government to collaborate with the people to ensure security of lives and property.
“No meaningful economic development can be achieved in an insecure environment,’’ the statement added.
It expressed the Guild’s appreciation to Delta Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the government and people of the state, as well as other partners for the success of the conference.
