‘Ask us what we can do’ — Buhari says Nigeria will support South Sudan’s development

President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria is ready to contribute towards political and economic stability in South Sudan.

South Sudan has recorded slow economic growth in recent years, following years of inter-communal conflict.

According to a statement issued by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, Buhari spoke on Monday in Addis Ababa, during a bilateral meeting with President Salva Kiir of South Sudan.

“Nigeria will contribute its quota as much as possible to the development of South Sudan. Take us into confidence and ask us what we can do,’’ Buhari was quoted as saying.

The president also spoke on the need for cooperation among developing countries, adding that with investments in education, economy, and healthcare, things will surely improve.

Addressing the situation in Guinea and Mali, Buhari said African leaders must support efforts geared towards the return of democracy in the countries.

He also expressed concern that as long as Libya remained unstable, the proliferation of arms would continue.

In his remarks, Kiir, who reportedly acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa, appreciated the country’s effort in the liberation struggle of South Sudan.

According to Adesina, the president of South Sudan also commended Aisha Buhari, wife of Nigeria’s president, for assisting in the education of South Sudanese girls in the country.

‘‘In West Africa, ECOWAS intervenes immediately whenever a country has a problem. That should be adopted in East and Central Africa,’’ he added.

Buhari and Kiir were among several African leaders that attended the inauguration ceremony of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, for a second five-year term in office.