Why we concentrate on security, infrastructure devt – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has stated why his administration “is investing heavily on infrastructure development,” stressing that “it is to encourage investments in the country.”

He stated this Wednesday in New York, at the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly, when he met with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal.

“We are a large country, with a vast population and poor infrastructure. But we need people to come and invest, that’s why we are focusing on roads, rail, power, airports, and many others. Without infrastructure, the investment would be slow,” he said.

He thanked Portugal for the “steadfast support” it had given Nigeria on many fronts, stresing that “concern about global issues is genetic for Portugal.”

President Buhari said the Sahel was awash with illegal small arms, exacerbating the security situation in the North-East of Nigeria, but added that government was doing a lot to bring things under control.

On security in the Gulf of Guinea, he solicited for the support of Portugal, saying most of the stolen crude oil from Nigeria and other countries “pass through the region.”

President Buhari said in the second term of his administration, “we will consolidate on what we started in the first term so that I can thereafter retire in peace and comfort.”

President de Sousa commended what he called “the excellent relations” between his country and Nigeria, noting, “We have Portuguese companies in Nigeria; we share the same opinion on international issues; we share your worries; follow closely what is happening in the Sahel, and we support you in fighting terrorism.”

Portugal hosts Euro-African Forum next year, and President de Sousa has invited President Buhari to declare the event open in Lisbon, “even if it’s for half a day.”

He said it would be a great honour to have the Nigerian leader in Portugal, “and we have been waiting for you to visit for three years. Many African leaders have come, but we want Nigeria.”

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