UNGA: Why we focus on security, infrastructure development – Buhari; Says: We’ve demonstrated political will on water, sanitation
President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in New York, at the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, met with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal, and explained why Nigeria was investing heavily on infrastructural development.
“We are a large country, with 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, investment would be slow,” the President said in a statement by Femi Adesina, his spokesman
.He thanked Portugal for the “steadfast support” it has given Nigeria on many fronts, adding 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 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 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.”
Also President Buhari on Wednesday in New York said Nigeria had demonstrated political will on water and sanitation, and would soon step up advocacy on the issue.
Mr Femi Adesina, the President’s spokesman said Buhari stated this at a meeting with former Australian Prime Minister, Mr Kevin Rudd, at the ongoing 74th United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday.
Rudd is Global Chairman of Water and Sanitation for All.
The President said that at Nigeria’s stage of development, clean water and sanitation were very important for a big country with vast population, “as lots of diseases are water-borne.
”That is why we spend so much on healthcare and infrastructure.”
President Buhari recalled that a state of emergency was declared on water and sanitation in November 2018, adding: “We have demonstrated the political will. We will step up with advocacy. Increased access to water for everyone is a target.”
According to the President Nigeria will have another launch in November this year, to scale up efforts on water, sanitation, and discouragement of open defecation.
Rudd said his organisation had been supporting countries to deal with challenges of clean water and sanitation.
“We value the political commitment you have to Sustainable Development Goal 6, and will do all we can to support you,” he added.
He recommended a slogan by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to Indian women: ‘Never marry a man, unless he can provide you with clean toilet.’
He said through personal leadership, the Indian Prime Minister had made great progress in reducing the problem of open defecation by two-thirds in five years.
“The year 2025 is your target to end the same in Nigeria. You can do it. We will support in whatever is useful and practical for you,” the former Prime Minister said.
