From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja and Tunde Omolehin, Sokoto
President Muhammadu Buhari has described the Iranian economy as an inspiration and a model that will aid Nigeria in its quest for economic recovery in the wake the economic crisis occasioned by drop in oil prices and oil production.
He noted that Nigeria has been forced to learn the hard way, saying his administration was working assiduously to ameliorate the challenges faced by the Nigerian economy by understudying the experiences of countries like Iran who thrived in adversity.
He said this when he had audience with a Special Envoy from the President of Islamic Republic of Iran at the State House, Mohammad Javad Zarif.
“The progress made by Iran within a short period of 30 years is really commendable. Within the period, you have been able to harness gas flaring, and you are now exporting. You have recorded strides in security, manufacturing, agriculture and technology.
“You have also achieved a lot in nuclear research. I must also congratulate you for successfully negotiating with America and the European countries on the development of your nuclear energy,” he said.
“We are grateful for your support and cooperation in opening up the Nigerian economy for diversification,” he added.
The Iranian envoy, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the Iranian government would support the ongoing restructuring of the Nigerian economy.
“We are very keen to see a better and stronger relationship with Nigeria, which is the largest country in Africa and a major global player,” he said.
Zarif said he came into Nigeria with a delegation of more than 70 members of the Iranian business community who had already started discussions in investing in sectors like banking, education, scholarship, agriculture, energy, tourism and technology development.
Meanwhile, Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonaiya Onu, said the Federal Government was committed to diversifying nation’s power sector through energy renewable sources.
He maintained that energy remained the major power source to invest in, for any nation aiming to improve its power generations.
Onu disclosed this in Sokoto, during a one-day assessment tour to the facilities of Sokoto Energy Research Centre of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
He said Nigeria has the potential to be great, adding that the key to unlock the greatness is to improve in science and technology development.
“That is why President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to toe the path of science and technology development.
“In the history of our nationhood, we have not succeeded in diversify our energy sector. If China with 1.4 billion citizens can feed themselves through science and technology, why not Nigeria with lesser population?” the Minister queried.
Onu maintained that development of science and technology remained the key to food production.