By Dwelleth Morountodun
The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday announced that revenue flowing into the nation’s treasury are now majorly from non-oil and gas exports.
This is coming even as he averred that this is mainly due to Federal Government’s effort which is geared towards diversifying the economy from being dependent on oil and gas revenues.
The historic disclosure was made by the Minister of Science Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, who represented the VP at the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSCHE) 51st annual international conference in Lagos.
The theme of this year’s conference is: “Chemical engineering and the changing world”.
In a statement, Josephine Ademu, of the Press and PR Department in the Ministry, quoted the VP as saying that government has worked tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria achieves full economic diversification and not be caught napping as crude oil and gas are no longer the major fuel that drive global economies.
He attributed this to the fact that the more technologically advanced nations of the world have switched to clean and renewable energy.
He further highlighted that the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is preparing Nigeria to not only meet these challenges posed by the changing world but also, to help Nigeria occupy her rightful place among the comity of nations.
He said: “Many countries in different continents are now preparing themselves to depend less on fossil fuels. Electric cars are found on roads and streets of many of the technologically developed countries of the world. This has sent a clear signal and a strong message that fossil fuels will not be as important as they are in the years to come. Our nation must prepare for a future where crude oil, which has for long been our major source of revenue will no longer occupy its prominent position in the economies of many nations. “
He used the occasion to further advice the Nigerian Manufacturing stakeholders to produce almost everything that is needed in the country, this will lead to less exports, a stronger Naira and a stronger economy.
Osinbajo, said that Chemical engineers, whom he described as “Process Engineers”, should be at the centre for a self-reliant Nigeria.
He said: “As process engineers, you will add value to our numerous raw materials converting them into products. The nation needs you to achieve food security; produce enough water for human consumption, use in agriculture and industry; provide shelter for our people; clothe both the old and the young; solve our energy and transportation problems; provide drugs and medical equipment for our health care; and provide necessary equipment to help us secure our nation.”
The Vice President urged on participants (mostly Chemical engineers) to continuously revise their academic curriculum, so as to train and prepare chemical engineers for the next decade and indeed the next century. This he added, is the best way to ensure that Nigeria fights and defeats extreme poverty.
He assured the general public and participants of government’s unrelenting zeal to work closely and support their role towards national building.
Earlier In a goodwill message by the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Chief Dapo Abiodun ably represented by Mr. Gbenga Dairo, the state commissioner of Transportation, he commended the choice of the theme of the 51st annual Conference “Chemical engineering and the changing world” as quite apt, relevant and well pertinent.
The governor said that he is very proud that members of The Nigerian Society of engineers across various disciplines constitutes one fifth of his cabinet and are contributing immensely to the formulation and implementation of policies on economic growth and sustainable development in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.