President Muhammadu Buhari is well aware of the suffering in the land. He said the sudden drop in the price of crude has left Nigeria poor, causing economic struggle and poverty in the land.

Mr. President however said his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability was serving the country in good stead, despite severe shortage of resources in the country.

The President spoke at the State House, Abuja, while receiving the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director and Under Secretary General of the United Nations, Prof Babatunde Osotimehin on Thursday.


According to President Buhari, “It’s been a very difficult year for Nigeria.

Before we came to office, petroleum sold for about $100 per barrel. Then it crashed to $37, and now oscillates between $40 and $45 per barrel. Suddenly, we’re a poor country, but commitment to transparency and accountability is not making people know that there is severe shortage.”

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, quoted the President as asking UNFPA to bear with Nigeria in whichever area the country could not meet its responsibilities for now, saying exploding population and different cultural practices in the country provide fertile ground for research to organizations like UNFPA
 
The President thanked the UN agency for its commitment to saving lives in Nigeria, particularly of women and children.

On food security, President Buhari said reports from the North-East of the country were encouraging, as people were returning to their farmlands, with the guarantee of relative security.