Members of the Seaport Terminal Operators of Nigeria (STOAN) have expressed support for the export and economic diversification drive of the Federal Government.
They said some of the steps taken by the government so far indicated that President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to reposition the economy.
The group’s spokesman, Bolaji Akinola said the country at the moment needed strategic interventions and focused leadership to transform the economy that has since been dependent on oil.
“There is no better way to transform the economy now than through the economic diversification drive embarked upon by the Federal Government and STOAN is poised to support the government as it embarks on this onerous but fruitful task of growing the economy.
“The government recently reiterated the determination of the administration to diversify the economy through increased local production of goods and services. This is a welcome development because with a diversified economy, Nigeria would not have to depend on a single commodity to survive as a nation,” Akinola said.
He said the effort will not only reflate the economy but also create the right environment for foreign direct investment because of the stability that will be engendered in the system.
“STOAN aligns with the Federal Government vision of building the economic foundation on made-in-Nigeria goods and services.
“The diversification efforts will help Nigeria move from import dependence to self-sufficiency in local production and become an export-led economy in goods and services.
“Also this effort by the government will continue to improve the environment and make it conducive for businesses to thrive,” he said.
He said many of the government’s programmes had been structured to stimulate domestic production, like how to improve the quality of made-in-Nigeria goods to international standards so they can be exported.