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President Muhammadu Buhari has briefed British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson on major developments in Nigeria, especially the gains in different sectors of the economy and polity.
The two leaders met at the United Kingdom (UK)-Africa Investment Summit 2020, in London where President Buhari told Johnson of accomplishments in agriculture, leading to near self-sufficiency in rice and other grains, a development he said, has saved the country billions in foreign exchange, now being deployed to other areas of development nationwide.
On the war against terrorism, the President said things were getting better, as people’s minds have been disabused on the true thinking of Boko Haram and the challenge of resettling displaced persons, which is being tackled frontally.
“We have a long history with the British military and we are still collaborating,” he added.
On the anti-corruption war, President Buhari said although it was slow but painstaking, cooperation of UK’s National Crime Agency was still needed, particularly in investigation of fugitives from Nigeria finding accommodation in the UK.
Also speaking on climate change, he said noted that it was a challenge to Nigeria and neighbouring African countries, especially with the shrinking of the Lake Chad to a minuscule of its original size.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement explained that Buhari also said the country was focused and making progress on education, particularly of the girl child.
Responding, Johnson commended President Buhari for being a regional leader who encourages the West, congratulated him on the jobs being created through agriculture, urging him to do more.
He equally applauded Buhari for what he described as the “socio-economic benefits” in the country since he became President and that he would assist the country on the war against corruption through the National Crime Agency.
The British PM pledged to cooperate with Nigeria and other African countries in the inter-basin water transfer, which could solve the Lake Chad problem and enhance security within the sub-region.
Johnson also lauded the idea of the Commonwealth Free Trade Area (CFTA) being advocated by President Buhari and pledged a careful consideration.
He charged the Nigerian Leader to keep the national autonomy of his country intact, noting that in the future, Nigeria would not just be a continental power, but a global force.