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.