This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the president’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.

It stated that Buhari phoned Al-Sisi on Friday evening to commiserate with him and Egyptians on Thursday's EgyptAir jet crash.

``Condoling the Egyptian leader on the loss of 66 lives in the crash, Buhari assured Al-Sisi and the people of Egypt of the sympathy of all Nigerians as they mourn the passengers and crew of EgyptAir MS804.

``President Buhari told President Al-Sisi that the thoughts and prayers of Nigerians are with the families and friends of bereaved Egyptians and other nationals who are in sorrow as a result of the tragic air crash’’, the statement said.

The President prayed that God Almighty would comfort all those who lost relatives and friends in the crash and grant eternal rest to the souls of those who died.

The statement also quoted President Al-Sisi as thanking President Buhari for his condolence and sympathy.