Buhari off to Jordan, Dubai for economic summits

President Muhammadu Buhari is billed to participate at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa scheduled to hold in Amman, Jordan.

In a statement on Thursday, Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media, said Buhari is participating in the event based on an invitation by King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan.

Adesina said the president will deliver an address at the opening of the plenary alongside the Jordanian king and António Guterres, UN secretary-general.

The spokesman said Buhari will also join world economic leaders in an informal gathering at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre.

“President Muhammadu Buhari departs Abuja Thursday for Amman to honour an invitation by King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan to participate in the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa holding at the Dead Sea, Jordan,” he said.

“The Nigerian leader will also hold bilateral meetings with some world leaders on the sidelines of the forum.”

Adesina said Buhari will depart Amman for Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday to participate in the 9th edition of the Annual Investment Meeting scheduled for April 8 to 10.

“Invited by His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rachid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Nigerian President as Guest of Honour, will deliver the keynote address under the theme, ‘Mapping the Future of Foreign Direct Investment: Enriching World Economies through Digital Globalisation’,” he said.

“According to the organisers, the meeting is ‘the largest gathering of corporate leaders, policymakers, businessmen, regional and international investors, entrepreneurs, leading academics and experts showcasing up-to-date information, strategies and knowledge on attracting FDI.’

“The meeting also seeks to explore investment opportunities in more than 140 countries, connect businesses and countries willing to engage in sustainable partnerships with investors.”

The president will be accompanied on both trips by governors of Oyo, Kogi and Jigawa states.

Geoffrey Onyeama, minister of foreign affairs; and Mohammed Babagana Monguno, national security adviser (NSA) are among other top government officials in the president’s delegation.