Muazu advocates environment conducive for trade, agriculture

A former Governor of Niger, Dr Muazu Aliyu, has advised the Federal Government to create enabling environment for trade and agriculture to thrive.

Aliyu gave the advice while speaking as the Guest Speaker at the 2017 Annual Islamic Convention of the Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), on Sunday in Abuja.

He urged the government to formulate sustainable policy on mechanised  and commercial agriculture.

When formulated, he said, such policy would reduce associated hardship and make agriculture more attractive to potential investors.

According to him, everywhere in the world, agriculture is subsidised and Nigeria should not be an exception.

Aliyu, popularly called “chief servant”during his eight year tenure, also urged the government to ensure peaceful, stable and predictable environment.

He equally wanted the fiscal and monetary policies to enhance inflow of investments toward Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.

According to him, you have examples in nations like Portugal, Spain, France and the United Kingdom, which promoted agriculture, trade and commerce.

“ Nigeria must recommit itself to the early days of groundnut pyramids, cocoa and palm oil booms as well as re-creating wealth to pull our citizens out of poverty.

“If we don’t, we will continue to languish in the poverty,’’ Aliyu said.

He advised the federal, state and local governments to continue with the good policies and programmes of their predecessors.

The former governor suggested that all research institutions should be properly situated and well-funded to promote trade and agriculture in the country.

He called on Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari in the fight against corruption, indiscipline and wastages.

“Real fight against corruption should be encouraged at the grassroots.

“We must not lose this fight as Allah is against corruption, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) did not support corruption and President Buhari detest it’’.

Also speaking at the convention, the National Chairman, Council of Ulama’u (scholars), JIBWIS, Sheikh Sani Jingir, commended the federal government for revamping the agricultural sector.

Jingir also said creating employment through N-power initiative is another positive step taken by the government to address critical challenge of unemployment.

The cleric applauded President Buhari for the success recorded in the ongoing counter insurgency operation and fight against corruption among others.

Jingir, however, advised the federal government to resuscitate moribund industries spread across the country.

He urged the government to encourage entrepreneurship while imploring public office holders to discharge their duties with honesty and fear of God.

Tracing the history of JIBWIS, the chairman said it was founded in 1978 to preach peace in the society and obedience to the constituted authority.

The preaching, according to him, is based on trust and mutual benefits in line with the Islamic and conventional education.

(NAN)