Buhari assures Obama of resolving Niger Delta crisis

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday assured Barack Obama, the American President, that Nigeria was making steady progress towards resolving the Niger Delta region problem, which had led to economic sabotage on a grand scale.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

Adesina said the president gave the assurance at a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing 71st edition of the UN General Assembly, holding in New York.

“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,’’ Buhari said.

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.’’

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.

“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 organization called Boko Haram, and that was achieved because of your leadership.’’

Obama offered a hand of fellowship to Nigeria “in the final and comprehensive defeat of Boko Haram, resolution of the Niger Delta crisis, which would help ramp up oil production and increase revenue, resolving the humanitarian crisis in the North East, recovering stolen money, and revamping the economy.’’

He described Nigeria as a big and important country in sub-Saharan Africa, adding that America looked forward to a framework for sustained partnership between the two nations.