with desert encroachments, while the vagaries of the weather pose
greater risks for the future.
Receiving Letter of Credence of the High Commissioner of Australia to
Nigeria, Mrs Claire Ireland, President Buhari said the global attention
on taming the effects of climate change was important, noting that
population had been on the increase in Nigeria, and lands for investment
and farming have turned more competitive.
“Before now 10 to 15 members of a family could own a land, but the
desert encroachment and growth in population has created a situation
where you can have 200 people struggling over a family land,” he said.
The President said the effect of climate change on Lake Chad had created
more economic challenges, with the shrinking lake rendering many
jobless, and leaving them with little or no options for survival, except
crime.
In her remarks, the High Commissioner said Australia had maintained
consistent economic growth for 29 years, scoring a record of development
indicators that many countries had not been able to attain.
Mrs Ireland said the growth had been largely driven by investments and
diversification in the mining sector, assuring the President that
stronger partnerships will be explored for Nigeria’s potentials in
minerals, education and agriculture.
President Buhari, who also received Letter of Credence of the Ambassador
of Sweden, Mr Carl Michael, said Nigeria remains grateful for the strong
partnership it had enjoyed over the years, urging the diplomat to use
his stay to improve trade relations.
The Swedish ambassador assured the President that he will work hard to
deepen political and economic relations, pointing out that there are
many opportunities for cooperation, including trade and investments.
Receiving the Letter of Credence of the Ambassador of Zimbabwe to
Nigeria, Mr Maxwell Ranga, President Buhari said Nigeria had enjoyed
long years of cooperation with Zimbabwe, adding that the country had
also been playing a major role in Africa.
Ranga said Zimbabwe appreciates Nigeria’s support during the country’s
struggle for independence.
“I have been tasked by my President, His Excellency, Emmerson Mnangagwa,
to take this relationship to greater heights. My mandate is to improve
trade and economic relations. We are facing sanctions and we implore
your support for our country,” he said.