Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria possesses enormous natural and economic potential and should not be among the world’s poor nations.
Speaking at the Agric, Development and Investment Summit in Abuja on Wednesday, July 15, Shettima stressed the need for Nigeria to maximize its agricultural and marine resources to drive economic growth and reduce dependence on crude oil.
During his keynote address, the Vice President highlighted Indonesia’s success in the palm oil industry as an example of how strategic investment in agriculture can generate significant national revenue. He noted that Indonesia, despite being an oil-producing nation, reportedly earned about $25 billion from crude palm oil exports in 2025, a figure he said surpassed Nigeria’s earnings from crude oil.
Shettima also pointed to the vast opportunities in the Niger Delta, describing it as the third-largest delta in the world with immense potential for aquaculture and mariculture. He said the region is well-suited for activities such as fish farming and the production of seafood, including salmon, tuna, and lobsters.
“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. There are certain parts of this country where money can grow—you can plant money and harvest tremendous money resources,” he said.
The Vice President urged greater investment in agriculture, fisheries, and other productive sectors, emphasizing that diversifying Nigeria’s economy is key to unlocking sustainable growth and creating wealth for its citizens.
