As much as with increased exploration new gas reserves can be found, what must be obvious to all is that our oil and gas reserves are not renewable and they are diminishing, and to protect the generations to come, we must engage in nothing short of a radical shift in the diversification of the economy. - Anthony Carmona, Trinidad Statesman

President Buhari's recent quests to discover oil several parts of the country, despite increasing cries over the need to diversify the country's economy far away from oil has revealed that he is nothing but an unrepentant, stubborn and a non solution proferring leader whose major interest solely rests on oil, rather than the welfare and well being of Nigeria and Nigerians. The bulk of the current problems plaguing Nigeria all emanated from what was supposed to be a blessing after it was discovered in 1956.

Perhaps we should not blame an innocent resource bestowed on us by Nature itself. Perhaps we blame most leaders of the country who had at one point directed the affairs of Nigeria. Of what importance is oil to a people when they cannot access it like they own it, rather, like a resource alien to us as a people. Should we then hang on to oil as a means of sustenance to nation building? The answer, is yes!

For many years, Nigeria was the star student in the “How to Put All Your Eggs in One Basket 101” class and she is currently reaping the rewards of her success. The Nigerian economy, especially the public sector, has been dependent on revenue from crude oil exports. As one of the top 10 oil producers in the world, previous administrations focused only on the oil sector as they believed that global economic growth would fuel the incessant demand for crude oil which would in turn guarantee sustained high prices.

https://www.stearsng.com/article/10111

From the above, it would be right to say we have been unfortunate as a country to have leaders who clearly run in vicious cycle as far as the word 'Economy' is mentioned. We keep blaming every past administration for the woes, plight, mishaps, misfortunes and dilemma we're presently experiencing, when in reality, we have a leader who has refused to learn from the annals of history.

Perhaps the president thinks diversifying the economy means looking for oil in several other parts, other than the main source, which is the South South part of the country. While we must slightly commend this move to end the Niger Delta monopoly and unnecessary assault on the country's economy, I must add that it is a waste of the country's resources, considering the fact that availability of jobs thin out with each passing day.

As a country whose economy and national budget has always been dependent on revenues from high crude oil prices, we are currently in uncharted territory. The lack of diversification in the economy has put us in a precarious position where economic growth is largely dependent on one resource.

https://www.stearsng.com/article/10111

There are several oil producing states that are performing better than we are doing right now, not because corruption is absent, but because these countries have become worse over the years to realize that over dependence on oil is a disaster waiting to happen. We do not need to hold any previous government responsible for where we we are if this present government is not interested in bringing solutions to the table. The vicious cycle has begun. Perhaps, we need those closest to the President to explain to him that diversification of the economy means taking out half or more than half of our eggs into another basket, capable of impacting Nigerians in the best, positive way possible.

Agriculture is the backbone of any thriving economy. The presence of oil and other resources should be considered and added advantage. We must be wise enough to realize oil might dry up some day. Agriculture would forever remain. The government should pay crucial attention to large scale farmers, as well as Small and Medium-sized enterprises.

Lalasticlala
Mynd44

Buhari has already ordered for the diversification of the economy to lake chad and Benue trough.

Which is actually a problem here. We keep running in a circle, thinking we are progressing and advancing as a nation. I pray God help us.