By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Amnesty International has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to reduce political spending and channel more resources into diversifying the economy for sustainable growth.The appeal was made on Friday at a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Lokoja by the Director of Amnesty International in Kogi State, Mr. Sunday Jatto.Jatto criticized what he described as excessive spending on electioneering and politically driven costs, while the nation’s economy continues to suffer from a lack of diversification.
“While billions of naira are often spent on elections and other political activities, the economy, which is crucial for sustainable social and economic development, still lacks the needed diversification,” he said. He urged the government to begin with the tourism sector, noting that it holds greater economic potential than oil and gas if properly developed. According to him, a thriving tourism industry could significantly boost national revenue and strengthen the economy.
Amnesty International also called for intensified research into herbal medicine to produce affordable, high-quality local drugs and reduce reliance on imported pharmaceuticals.On agriculture, Jatto emphasized Nigeria’s fertile land as an untapped asset, urging the government to invest heavily in farming to increase food production, curb hunger, tackle insecurity, and promote development.
Founded in 1961 by British lawyer Peter Benenson, Amnesty International is a global human rights organization with over 10 million members in more than 150 countries. It has earned worldwide recognition, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977, and is headquartered in London
