'The economy needs emergency revival'

The President-elect, retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday, May 10, in Abuja said he will shift attention from oil to agricultural and mining sectors to create jobs.

Buhari said this while receiving Northern Elders led by Nigeria’s permanent representative at the United Nations, Alhaji Maitama Sule, visited him.

He said he will address the problem of unemployment as it is one of the biggest challenges facing the nation.

''The biggest message is to try and persuade the people that it is not possible to change the state of affairs now.

''It took 16 years and those 16 years, most of you know it better than myself, Nigeria earned revenue more than what it earned from 1914 till then.

''In the economy, we have to quickly turn to agriculture and mining because that is where you can do the quickest work and earn results.

''In other areas, you need to study them and dust all the books and studies and get people, experienced people, committed people, technocrats to come and help the government.

“They need to help the government to identify priorities so that with what is available to us, we can quickly make our people realise their hope for the government they have chosen,'' he said.

The president-elect said that for his administration to enjoy relative peace, security, job creation and put infrastructural facilities in place, the power‎ sector is paramount.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Sule, urged Buhari to be just and fair to everyone irrespective of tribe, colour or religion.

''Sir, it is easy; I know it was easy when you were a military leader and what made it easy was justice.

''With justice, you can rule Nigeria well. Justice is the key; irrespective of tribe, religion and race, justice must be done to whosoever deserves it,” he said.