Shettima Urges Investment in Agriculture, Maritime Economy
Vice President Shettima says Nigeria can become one of the world’s richest nations by unlocking its agricultural and maritime potential.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria has the resources to become one of the world’s wealthiest countries if it fully develops its agricultural potential and maritime economy.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Niger Delta Agricultural Development and Investment Summit in Abuja, Shettima said the country’s abundant natural resources remain largely untapped despite their capacity to drive economic growth and create jobs. He stressed that greater investment in key sectors would help transform Nigeria’s economy and improve national prosperity.
The Vice President said, “In this great nation of ours, we have no business being poor. We have the potential to be one of the richest countries in the world.” He noted that Nigeria’s vast natural endowments provide a strong foundation for sustainable development if they are properly harnessed.
Highlighting opportunities within the agricultural potential of the Niger Delta, Shettima pointed to Indonesia’s performance in the global palm oil market. He said the Southeast Asian country generated about $45 billion from crude palm oil exports in 2025, earning more from the commodity than Nigeria made from crude oil during the same period. He urged Nigeria to expand oil palm cultivation and maximise the region’s favourable conditions for production.
Shettima also emphasised the importance of developing the Niger Delta’s maritime resources. He said increased investment in mariculture, including fish farming, shellfish and crustacean production, could generate employment, strengthen food security and contribute significantly to economic growth.
Using cassava as another example, the Vice President observed that although Nigeria produces far more cassava than Thailand, it earns considerably less because of lower productivity and limited value addition. He called for improved yields, better processing capacity and stronger investment across the agricultural value chain to unlock the country’s full agricultural potential and increase export earnings.
According to Shettima, developing agriculture alongside the maritime sector would diversify the economy, reduce dependence on crude oil and position Nigeria for long-term prosperity.
Do you think greater investment in agriculture and maritime industries can transform Nigeria’s economy?
