Nigeria has no right to be poor, says Shettima, urging investment in agriculture and maritime economy

Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria possesses enormous natural and economic resources and should not be grappling with widespread poverty, urging greater investment in agriculture and the marine economy to unlock the country’s wealth.

Shettima made this assertion on Wednesday while delivering the keynote address at the Agriculture, Development and Investment Summit in Abuja.

The Vice President said Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, fertile soils and marine resources remain largely untapped, stressing that the country could become one of the richest nations in the world if it fully exploited its comparative advantages.

Drawing a comparison with Indonesia, Shettima noted that the Southeast Asian nation generated more revenue from palm oil exports in 2025 than Nigeria earned from crude oil.

According to him, Indonesia, despite being an oil-producing country, earned about $25 billion from crude palm oil exports, surpassing Nigeria’s oil earnings.

He said the development highlights the economic opportunities that Nigeria has failed to maximize in the agricultural sector.

“Indonesia is an oil-producing nation, but in 2025 it earned $25 billion from crude palm oil exports. Its revenue surpassed Nigeria’s oil earnings,” Shettima said.

The Vice President also highlighted the economic potential of the Niger Delta, describing it as the third largest delta in the world, with abundant opportunities in aquaculture and the blue economy.

He lamented that the region’s rich marine resources, including fish species such as salmon, tuna and lobster, remain underutilized despite their enormous commercial value.

“The Niger Delta is the third largest delta in the world, but we have not fully exploited its enormous marine resources. Fish farming and other maritime activities can create immense wealth for our people,” he said.

Shettima argued that Nigeria’s economic challenges were not due to a lack of resources but an inability to fully develop and market them.

“In this great nation of ours, it is not our job to be poor: we have the potential to become one of the richest countries in the world.

“There are some parts of this country where money can grow; you can plant money and reap enormous wealth,” the Vice President added.

He called on governments, investors and development partners to increase investment in agriculture, agro-industry and marine resources as part of efforts to diversify the economy, create jobs and reduce poverty.

Shettima reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to policies aimed at expanding agricultural production, attracting investment and promoting sustainable economic growth.

‘

Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE