Nigeria adversely hit by global economic downturn –Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that Nigeria, as a developing nation had been adversely affected by the global economic downturn.

He, however, said his administration was undeterred and had embarked on a wide range of reforms in its efforts towards diversifying the economy and shifting emphasis to mining, agriculture, industrialisation, infrastructure development and the creation of the enabling environment for foreign direct investment.

President Buhari was yesterday addressing the media at the conclusion of his five-day activities during the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Declaring that he had a very successful outing, Buhari stated: “I highlighted the need for the international community to work together to liberate humanity from poverty, save our planet from the devastation of climate change and rid the world of terrorism for a more peaceful and prosperous future.

“I mentioned that the plight of Internally Displaced Persons arising from Boko Haram terrorism is of particular concern to us. For this reason, we have taken concrete steps to address their humanitarian needs and to ensure that necessary conditions are established to enable the voluntary return of the displaced persons to their homes in safety and dignity.”

The president also said that “fighting corruption remains of prime importance to our administration,” noting that the campaign was already yielding positive gains including significant stolen assets recoveries.

President Buhari also listed his meeting with top Nigerian professionals in the United States and the urgent need to reclaim the shrinking Lake Chad.

He expressed delight that “some countries, notably the United Kingdom and the United States, pledged additional support in the tune of $391 million humanitarian aid for the Lake Chad region.”