What developed countries think about Nigeria – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that some developed countries are reluctant to assist Nigeria because they have “wrong assumptions” that the nation is rich.

According to a statement by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, Buhari said this on Thursday while receiving letters of credence from newly appointed diplomats of three countries including India, Kuwait and Namibia in Abuja.

The president told Abdulaziz Al Bisher, ambassador of Kuwait, that Nigeria has been “pigeonholed as an influential and wealthy member” of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
“Nigeria’s continuous support of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) policies, sometimes, discourages assistance from developed countries, with wrong assumptions that the country is rich,” the statement read.
He added that Nigeria will “appreciate support in education, technology, infrastructure and projects that directly impact on livelihood of people”.

In his response, Al Bisher said Nigeria had previously been left out of the “Kuwait Project” which started in 1961 with 560 developmental interventions spread over many African countries. He added that the country will now be captured.
He said Kuwait chamber of commerce had agreed to meet with Nigeria’s business community and adding that it runs a charity that can be explored.

Receiving the letter of credence from Abhay Thakur, high commissioner of India to Nigeria, Buhari said India is Nigeria’s “biggest trade partner’’ in terms of crude oil purchase.

The president recalled his experience at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India, in 1973, saying that Nigeria’s relationship with India has been “long and upwardly rewarding for individuals, institutions and the country”.