The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Patterson Ogon, has bemoaned Nigeria’s over reliance on crude Oil.
He said Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil has led to the undermining of other opportunities to create a diversified economy.
Speaking during the 13th edition of the annual lecture of Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists, themed: “Niger Delta Region and Nigeria’s Economic Diversification: Challenges and Prospects” in Yenagoa on Thursday, Ogon explained that Nigeria’s economy was primarily driven by agriculture before the discovery of oil in 1956.
He added that after the discovery of crude oil, Nigerian leaders abandoned agriculture saying, “Agriculture accounted for 72% of Nigeria’s total national output in 1950.”
Ogon who was the key speaker in the event urged the Nigerian state to begin the process of diversification.
He added that Nigeria should focus on other sectors like agriculture and manufacturing to have a sustainable and healthy economy.
He said: “Nigeria’s economic diversification faces challenges such as a history of fiscal dependence on oil, mismanagement of oil proceeds, and volatile global oil prices.
“The Niger Delta region, which is home to a large population and abundant natural resources, has potential to contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification.”
“The discovery of oil and the wealth it creates in those societies has its own pains. It’s a classic case of the rich also cry. The above quotes may not have been made for the fun of it.
“Nigeria’s complex socio-economic and political crisis, deepened by the exploitation and exploration of oil, may only have added to the global disconnect that oil has created.”
“It is common knowledge that Nigeria’s economy was primarily driven by agriculture before the discovery of oil. “Agriculture accounted for 72% of Nigeria’s total national output in 1950.”
“Economic diversification has been a thing of interest to Government. In pre-petroleum Nigerian economy, the basis of sustenance was essentially agriculture.
“However, the discovery of oil worsened the productive capacity of our economy as we really did not have to labour to eat. Oil proceeds threw away the historic feats of the palm oil economy, groundnut pyramids, cocoa and the place of agriculture in our lives As a matter of fact.”
“Nigeria’s mono-economy, crude oil, is a source of problem to its survival. Neither agriculture nor manufacturing has been given the necessary environmental condition and attention to boost productivity.”
Also speaking, Morris Alagoa an Environmentalist and the deputy director of Environmental Defenders Network who was the chairman of the occasion thanked the Media for being the watchdog of the society.
He said good persons have become endangered species in Nigeria while the bad ones have their way.
While advocating for the protection of the environment, Alagoa bemoaned the unchecked deforestation in the state.
He said:” Law abiding citizens of this country are more endangered than the criminals. These criminals know how to maneuver their ways when arrested because of the way society has become.”
“Also, there is indiscriminate logging and mining in this state. A time will come, when we won’t even have timbers. We don’t have trees again in our forest.
Earlier, the Chairman of Federated Correspondents’ Chapel, Tife Owolabi, emphasized the role of journalists in shaping the narrative of the Niger Delta region.
He however said journalists of the federated chapel is ready and committed to responsible journalism as well as being the effective middlemen between policy makers, stakeholders, and the public.
“The Niger Delta, rich in natural resources, faces unique challenges that hinder its potential. From environmental degradation to infrastructure deficits, and from socio-economic disparities to security concerns, the region’s complexities demand thoughtful exploration.
“As journalists, we are not mere observers; we are active participants in shaping the narrative. Our role is crucial.
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to responsible journalism, bridging the gap between policy makers, stakeholders, and the public.”