Nigeria Will Boost Agric With Niger Republic —Buhari

NIGERIAN President, Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday assured the government and people of Niger Republic that his administration would boost the growing bilateral ties between Nigeria and its northern neighbour especially in the field of agriculture.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President spoke while receiving a Special Envoy of President Mahamadou Issoufou of the Republic of Niger at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari was further quoted as saying that his government would closely look at the message from his Nigerien counterpart, which he said was aimed at enhancing and deepening the existing cooperation in agriculture between the two countries.

The President, who hoped for good rains in both countries, said that it would boost food production and avert the spectre of hunger.

The statement read in part, “The President also used the occasion to congratulate the government and people of Niger on the successful conclusion of the country’s election and the swearing in of President Issoufou for a second term in office.

“The Special Envoy of President Issoufou and Senior Minister of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Albada Abouba, said he had been sent to convey his country’s gratitude to Nigeria for its continuing support and cooperation especially in the field of agriculture.

“He said President Issoufou was optimistic that existing bilateral ties will continue to get better under the current leadership in the two countries.”