President Muhammadu Buhari said on Sunday that the prosecution of those who misappropriated NNPC’s revenue under past administrations will soon commence.
He said this at a meeting with President Xi Jinping of China on the sidelines of the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations, in New York.
He, however, was not specific on either when the trial will start or those who have been indicted.
President Buhari said he had taken the first step in the sanitisation process by appointing a new management for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and its subsequent reorganisation.
He thanked President Jinping for China’s ongoing help in curbing crude oil theft from Nigeria, and also applauded China’s interception of shiploads of crude oil stolen from Nigeria, which were to be sold and proceeds paid into private accounts.
“We know your stand on corruption, and we are grateful. Your continued cooperation in curbing oil theft from Nigeria will be appreciated,” he said.
he added, “The prosecution of those who misappropriated the NNPC’s revenue under past administrations will soon commence,” he simply said without giving further details.
The president also assured Jinping that under his leadership, the Nigerian military had been re-trained and re-equipped, and was now making steady gains against Boko Haram.
In his remarks, President Jinping promised more investments in Nigeria.
He said China, which is already involved in Nigeria in diverse areas like railway, airports, agriculture, and in the Mambilla Hydro-power project, among others, will increase its investment in the country’s agricultural sector to support the achievement of domestic food security.
He also promised further Chinese investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, and more support for human capital development in the country.
