A former governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, on Wednesday urged the country's leaders to diversify the?economy, to reduce?over dependence on petroleum.
Jakande told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that there was a need to develop other resources and minerals to ensure speedy development.
The former governor, who spoke against the backdrop of plans by U.S. to cut down on oil?importation, stressed the need for leaders to pursue goals that would favour economic advancement.
“We are a great country with a large number of people and enormous resources.
“There are countries that have agricultural resources but not oil resources, some with oil resources but no agriculture.
“God in His mercies, has blessed us with all; it is the duty of our leadership to lead us to the best use of these resources.
“We (Nigerians) have to look after ourselves and it is our duty to spread our tentacles to protect our nation's interest. Whatever America is doing is in their own interest.
“The leadership must rise up to the occasion to develop the economy.''
President Barrack Obama had in 2011, advised the United States to cut down its oil imports by one-third over the next decade and encourage internal exploration. (NAN)