Buhari speaks with Merkel, praises her open-door refugee policy

President Muhammadu Buhari has praised Angela Merkel, the outgoing chancellor of Germany, for her initiatives on the rehabilitation of refugees.

Germany opened its borders in 2015 to over one million asylum seekers and economic migrants fleeing war and violent conflict in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Although Merkel had called the open-door policy a “humanitarian imperative”, it earned her heavy criticism, especially at home.

In a telephone conversation with Merkel on Thursday, President Buhari said he was appreciative of Germany’s support to Nigeria and the West African region.

Femi Adesina, the presidential spokesman, said: “President Buhari applauded Merkel’s initiatives on rehabilitation of refugees, and help for developing countries.

“President Buhari said German companies like Julius Berger, Siemens, and others, were doing well in the country, adding that the Federal Government was doing a lot to improve infrastructure.

“On the security situation, the President said a lot was being done to stabilize things at this difficult period, thanking all the countries that had given helping hand, including Germany.

“On agriculture and food security, President Buhari said much had been achieved, leading to stoppage of massive food importation to the country.”

On her part, Merkel was said to have expressed gratitude to President Buhari for his kind words at the United Nations general assembly (UNGA) in New York, US.

While speaking at UNGA, Buhari had wished Merkel well as she bows out as Germany chancellor.

“Let me close my statement by paying special tribute to a great and humane internationalist, and an exemplary practitioner of multilateralist cooperation,” he had said.

“I am speaking of Chancellor Angela Merkel of the Federal Republic of Germany. As she exits the stage, we wish her well.”