Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has hosted Professor Faustin-Archange Touadera, the President of Central African Republic at State House, Abuja, on Monday telling him that his first concern for his people is their security and wellbeing.
“At all times, that is my first concern, my priority,” President Buhari said. “That is why we are hosting a summit of Lake Chad Basin Commission in Abuja, to discuss the situation in Chad and the implications for neighbouring countries.
“The recharge of Lake Chad with water from Congo Basin is another issue, as it holds great implications for security since about 30 million people are affected,” he said.
In his remarks, President Touadera commiserated with his host over the military plane crash last weekend, which claimed the life of Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff, and 10 others.
He said that the Central African Republic is on the verge of rebuilding its Army, and would need Nigeria’s help, as well as for Nigerian businessmen to come into the country to invest in diverse areas.
“We want closer ties with Nigeria, and that is one of the reasons I am here,” President Touadera said.
While briefing State House Correspondents, the visiting President said he would like Nigeria to assist his country rebuild its Army.
“This is an issue that was discussed during the bilateral meeting he had with President Buhari. In the Central African Republic, we need to rebuild our Army. Nigeria has a big Army and a lot of experience in handling security issues.
“There is a possibility for cooperation in that area. We hope that the Nigerian Minister of Defence will facilitate this cooperation for Nigeria to help rebuild our Army with training and equipment,” he said.
Nigeria is hosting the meeting of the Chad Basin Commission on Tuesday, May 25 in Abuja.
PIAK
