President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday assured Barack Obama, the American
President Nigeria is making steady progress towards resolving the
problem in the Niger Delta region which has led to economic sabotage on a
grand scale.
During a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the
71st edition of the UN General Assembly, holding in New York, President
Buhari disclosed:
"We are making definite progress on how many factions of the militant groups exist, their leadership and operational basis, and we have equally sought the cooperation of the oil majors. In a short while, I believe the issues would be resolved."
While thanking America for help rendered in the area of security
through provision of armaments, training for Nigerian troops, and
sharing of intelligence, which has led to the degradation of Boko Haram
in the North East, President Buhari said the country was open to support
in combating the humanitarian crisis currently ravaging the region.
The President said the farming season was good this year, with the
prospect of good harvest, and "Nigeria is on the road to food
self-sufficiency soon. We shall be able to feed ourselves, and utilize
the billions of dollars spent on importing food on other productive
areas."
President Buhari reiterated that his administration came
to power on the tripod promises of security, battle against corruption,
and revamping of the economy, stressing that there would be no let-up in
fulfilling those electoral promises.
He wished President Obama a happy retirement, as he winds down gradually on his tenure in office.
Responding, the American President described President Buhari as a man
of "integrity and honesty," saying: "We have confidence in your
leadership. There are some difficulties you face, but this
administration is willing to assist in the short time we have left. You
have made real progress in defeating the brutal organization called Boko
Haram, and that was achieved because of your leadership."
President Obama offered a hand of fellowship to Nigeria "in the final
and comprehensive defeat of Boko Haram, resolution of the Niger Delta
crisis, which would help ramp up oil production and increase revenue,
resolving the humanitarian crisis in the North East, recovering stolen
money, and revamping the economy."
Describing Nigeria as a big
and important country in sub-Saharan Africa, the American President said
his country looked forward to a framework for sustained partnership
between the two nations.
FEMI ADESINASpecial Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
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