TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration is working towards a regime of zero importation of food for consumption.

Buhari said this would amount to self-sufficiency in food production, and radically cut down on imports of agricultural products.

He spoke while receiving a letter of credence from Lim Sim Seng, high commissioner of Republic of Singapore to Nigeria, at the state house, Abuja.

According to Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, the president said the era of high import bills on food was fast becoming a thing of the past with growing investments in the agricultural sector, favourable weather and collective will of Nigerians to start feeding themselves, and exporting products.

“I am very pleased with the relationship we have with Singapore, and we are benefiting a lot from your experiences and investment,” Buhari said.

“Recently, I was in Kaduna to commission one of your investments in agriculture. We are happy that you are also looking at the agricultural sector because that is integral to our economic blueprint for diversifying the economy.”

The president said bilateral relations with Singapore will be further strengthened, so, both countries can enjoy the benefits of competitive advantage.

Buhari also received letters of credence from Shirley Ho-Vicaria and  Nelson Ocheger, high commissioners of Republic of The Philippines and Republic of Uganda, respectively.

He assured the countries of Nigeria’s cooperation on economic, security and diplomatic issues.