Buhari: Developed countries reluctant to assist us because they think we are rich

President Muhammadu Buhari says some developed countries are reluctant to assist Nigeria because they have “wrong assumptions” that the nation is rich. 

According to a statement by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, Buhari said this on Thursday while receiving letters of credence from the newly appointed diplomats of Kuwait, India and Namibia in Abuja.

The president told Abdulaziz Al Bisher, ambassador of Kuwait, that Nigeria has been “pigeonholed as an influential and wealthy member” of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

“Nigeria’s continuous support of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) policies, sometimes, discourages assistance from developed countries, with wrong assumptions that the country is rich,” the statement read.

He added that Nigeria will “appreciate support in education, technology, infrastructure and projects that directly impact on livelihood of people”.

In his response, Al Bisher said Nigeria had previously been left out of the “Kuwait Project” which started in 1961 with 560 developmental interventions spread over many African countries. He added that the country will now be captured.

He said Kuwait chamber of commerce had agreed to meet with Nigeria’s business community, adding that it runs a charity that can be explored.

Receiving the letter of credence from Abhay Thakur, high commissioner of India, Buhari said India is Nigeria’s “biggest trade partner’’ in terms of crude oil purchase.

The president recalled his experience at the defence services staff college, Wellington, India, in 1973, saying that Nigeria’s relationship with India has been “long and upwardly rewarding for individuals, institutions and the country”.

He called for closer ties that will be mutually beneficial to citizens of both countries.

“Our two countries are very close. India has helped Nigeria in many ways, and we are very grateful. In trade, you are, today, our biggest customer in crude oil purchase,’’ the statement said.

“I want you to maintain the standard we have attained, and improve on it.”

Thakur who listed some areas of bilateral interest that deserved more attention, assured Buhari that he will work hard on encouraging meetings that “focused on reducing double taxation and attract more Foreign Direct Investments, actualize Nigerian airline, Air Peace’s dream of two weekly flights to Bombay and open up the visa regime more.”

Expressing gratitude, the president told Humphrey Geiseb, high commissioner of the Republic of Namibia, that the country had consistently and steadfastly supported Nigeria in all international meetings, “bringing respect and comfort’’.

In his response, Geiseb said his country remains grateful to the Nigerian government and citizens for the support to achieve its independence, promising to improve relations in trade and exchange of people and ideas.