President Muhammadu Buhari has assured his United States’counterpart, Barack Obama, that Nigeria has made steady progress towards resolving the Niger Delta region problem, which had led to economic sabotage on a grand scale.
The president through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said the president gave the assurance on Tuesday at a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing 71st edition of the UN General Assembly, holding in New York.
The statement reads, “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.”
He thanked America for assisting Nigeria in provision of armaments, training for Nigerian troops, and sharing of intelligence, which had led to the degradation of Boko Haram in the North East.
Buhari said the country was open to support in combating the humanitarian crisis currently ravaging the region.
He said the farming season was good in 2016, 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.’’
NAN reports that the president reiterated that his administration came to power on the tripod promises of security, battle against corruption, and revamping of the economy.
He stressed that there would be no let-up in fulfilling those electoral promises.
Responding, Obama described Buhari as a man of “integrity and honesty,’’ saying “we have confidence in your leadership.
He added, “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 organisation called Boko Haram, and that was achieved because of your leadership.”
