TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration will continue to welcome support from the international community in the agricultural and solid minerals sectors as Nigeria moves to reduce dependence on crude oil.

According to Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, Buhari said this at the presidential villa in Abuja during a farewell audience with Svante Kilander, outgoing ambassador of Sweden.

Buhari said the federal government would create the enabling environment for local and foreign investments in farming, animal husbandry, fishery and the exploration of solid minerals.

He noted that the planned visit by some Swedish trade and investment delegations to the country later in the year would further encourage the ongoing process of diversifying the Nigerian economy.

Buhari commended the Swedish government for the support extended to Nigeria in catering for the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the north-east and the ongoing reconstruction of the areas affected by insurgency.

In his remarks, the Swedish Ambassador said his country was pleased with the sweeping changes taking place across the country with clear results in the fight against terrorism and corruption.

Kilander said his country would continue to strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria by encouraging more trade and investments between both countries.

The statement said Buhari had earlier received special envoys from President Salva Kiir Mayardit of the Republic of South Sudan and President Al-Bashir of the Republic of Sudan separately.

Buhari advised the two countries to avoid the trap of getting into a mono-cultural economy like Nigeria by diversifying their economies early.

He also advised the two countries to be more vigilant on security by stemming recruitment of young people by extremist groups.

He said Nigeria would continue to support the transitional government that had been put in place in South Sudan.