2.5% of Nigeria’s cultivatable land is used for Agriculture – Buhari

By Nneka Nwogwugwu

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that only 2.5 per cent of Nigeria’s land suitable for growing crops is being used for agricultural purposes.

The President, speaking in an interview on Channels Television , beseeched Nigerians to hold on to agriculture to improve the country’s numerous economic challenges and rising unemployment rate.

According to him, when the land borders were closed and the importation of rice was stopped, Nigeria began to produce enough rice for local consumption and export.

“All I know is that we have to allow people to have access to the farm. We just have to go back to the land,” he said.

The President stressed the need for Nigerians to stop smuggling to ensure that developed countries do not dump goods indiscriminately into the country. Also, he urged Nigerians to prioritise industrialisation, stating that with technology, the country can produce more with fewer resources.