He stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, April 15, in Abuja,
Recounting his days as the head of state, Gowon said "we had a development plan, which was agro-allied industry, with the hope that that will be a platform for the future Nigeria’s industrial development and industrial take off.
“And with that particular programme, although it was mainly agro-allied, we had iron and steel, we had petrochemical and we had NLNG in place, starting to develop them.
“And by the next plan, which we were planning to do, we had hoped we would have started launching Nigeria’s industrial take off.
“So really, all that is required is good plan, commitment to the plan and the discipline to carry it through.
“And even if you are not able to finish it yourself, my hope is that whichever government comes, should be able to build upon it and make it a success.’’
Gowon said the Third National Development Plan, which was developed between 1975 and 1980 remains the best strategy for Nigeria to succeed
According to NAN, Development Plan had a projected investment of N30 billion, which was later increased to N43.3 billion.
This represented 10 times that of the Second Plan and about 15 times that of the First Plan.
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The objectives of the plan includes, increase in per capita income; more even distribution of income reduction in the level of unemployment; increase in the supply of higher level manpower and diversification of the economy.
The plan was premised on the need for the public sector to provide infrastructure for the poorer sections of the population including electricity, water, hospitals, housing, and schools.
Gowon said unless Nigeria develops its agro-industry, it would not become food sufficient and would continue to import food from other countries.
He said once that is achieved, other components that will alleviate poverty would fall into place.
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