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QUEEN of The Netherlands, Her Majesty, Maxima Zorreguieta has called on Nigerian government to make adequate provisions for infrastructure development across the country to attract more robust foreign investment.
The Queen stated this on Wednesday during a bilateral meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari which held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly holding in New York, USA.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBuhari stated that Nigeria prioritized provision of infrastructure, being aware of her limitation.
The President said, “Without infrastructure, development would be limited, so we put emphasis on building roads, rail, and power. We have a comprehensive plan, and we are doing our best.”
He pointed out that the country was hindered by resources, despite being an oil exporting country, adding that with more funds available, infrastructure works would improve.
While commenting on activities of the current administration in agricultural sector, Buhari said Nigerian borders with some neighboring countries were closed to encourage local farmers, so that the people can consume what is produced locally, adding that just like Oliver Twist, Nigeria could do with more help in the area of investments, particularly in agriculture.
His words, “People went back to the land, and this helped us tremendously. We made fertilizers available, resuscitated dams, and it all paid off handsomely. Otherwise, with about 200 million people, we would have been in trouble when COVID-19 struck, and affected the economy.
“We have the land, we have the people; capital input is what we need.”
Buhari noted that Nigerian farmers were quite receptive to modern ways of farming, especially in respect of reducing post-harvest waste.
Queen Zorreguieta said, she had strong commitment to Nigeria, and pledged to assist the country to do more. “You won’t be alone. We will be there along with other partners,” The Queen stated.
She noted that agriculture was like music to her ears, being the daughter of a former Minister of Agriculture, and said that provision of infrastructure across the country would enable investors and aid donors access areas beyond the major cities.
“We need roads, railways, digital financial inclusion for farmers. Government needs to digitize all payments,” she said.
The Queen also commended Nigerian government on the efforts made in combating COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
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