Mr Adeyemi Ikuforiji, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Saturday called for reforms in the country’s agriculture and oil sectors.

In a Sallah message to Muslims, Ikuforiji said the reforms would free the country from importation of refined petroleum products and ensure self-sufficiency in food production.

“As we celebrate this season, it has become imperative for the political leadership to be more patriotic and take the necessary steps to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production.

“We need reforms in the oil sector too, so that as a nation we can refine our God-given oil locally.

“This will solve the large-scale unemployment and poverty that has continued to make life unbearable for Nigerians particularly the working class people and youths, who are the future leaders,” he said.

On plans to remove fuel subsidy, Ikuforiji said it would lead to increase in the pump prices of petroleum products and economic hardships for Nigerians.

He said modern refineries should be built to facilitate the refining of the country’s crude before the subsidy was removed.

Ikuforiji also canvassed increased allocation of funds to state and local governments to enable them discharge their duties to the grassroots.

The speaker urged Nigerians, particularly Muslims to imbibe virtues such as love, perseverance, selflessness and patriotism to make the country great.

“I will like to advise the political leadership at all levels in our country to always put the overall interest of our people first since it is their votes that actually made it possible for political office holders to occupy their enviable positions.

“Every necessary step must be taken by the political leadership to make life more meaningful for our people,” Ikuforiji said.