Former minister of Finance, Olusegun Aganga has revealed that the naira would continue to be weak if the country remains an import-dependent country.

He stressed that it was not a wise decision to defend the naira with billions without appropriate investments in the manufacturing sector to drive the country’s exports.

The ex-minister advised that Nigeria must produce for local consumption and more importantly for export, for the naira to be strong.

Aganga stated these at the 3rd Adeola Odutola lecture, during the 51st Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria on Thursday.

“What is the wisdom in spending billions defending the naira when it continues to fall instead of investing in genuine manufacturers and exporters of high-value products that would earn Nigeria foreign income and more.”

Olusegun Aganga charged the government to declare the industrial sector a national priority sector and back it with plans, policies and money.

“Unlike the trillions spent on subsidies, bailouts, the Agric Anchor Borrowers Programme, the refineries, I can assure you that every naira, no matter how large, that is well spent on the strategic industrial sectors can be easily recovered and will deliver tremendous benefits to the economy and the nation,” he said.