The number one citizen in Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that the needs of Nigeria cannot be catered for by earnings from petroleum resources the country possesses.
According to The Cable, the president’s spokesperson, Mr Femi Adesina, the president disclosed this on Thursday when he received the outgoing Cuban ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Trejo Sosa, at Aso Rock, Nigeria’s presidential villa.
“What we earn from oil does not meet our needs, and we can use any assistance we get. Cuba has always been friendly and helpful,” Buhari said.
President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his pleasure with the relationship between Cuba and Nigeria, with hope that the two countries could further strengthen ties. Nigeria had enjoyed support from Cuba in the areas of health care and knowledge transfer
“We have deficit in infrastructure, in education, health care, and many other areas, but Cuba has always been helpful,” the president was quoted.
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The outgoing Cuban ambassador, Carlos Trejo Sosa, reportedly expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve, stating that his stay in Nigeria had been filled with love and warmth.
“My five years and nine days in Nigeria were filled with warmth, love and friendship, I would never forget the country. I am not just being polite, I mean every word. We appreciate Nigeria a great deal,” Sosa was quoted.
However, the statement reportedly made by Muhammadu Buhari can be seen to be largely true, as reduced oil prices have put the county’s finances in a precarious situation, which has led to increased borrowing by the Nigerian government.
This has also led to sweeping tax reforms, with the new Finance Bill set to come into effect on 2nd January 2020 as earlier published on Nairametrics. The Finance Bill is looking to increase taxes and improve ease of doing business, in order to boost economic growth and development in the country.
