Buhari Tells May: Unlike Politicians Calculating 2019, My Focus On Nigeria’s Economy, Security

President Muhammadu Buhari said on Monday that the security of Nigeria and the growth of the country’s economy are more important to him than the 2019 elections.

President Buhari said this when he visited Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain at her office on 10, Downing Street, London.

He said Nigeria and Britain have a long history of cooperation on several fronts.

“We campaigned on three major issues, to secure the country, revive the economy and fight corruption,” Buhari was quoted as saying by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman.

“We have elections next year, politicians are already preoccupied with the polls, but I am bothered more about security and the economy.

“People ought to know how they arrived where they are, if they would move forward. It was a mistake for us to have stopped the teaching of history as a subject in schools, but we are returning it to the curriculum now.

“British companies like Unilever, Cadbury, and many others have stood with Nigeria through thick and thin. Even when we fought a Civil War, they never left.

“But like Oliver Twist, we ask for more investments. We are encouraging more British companies to come to Nigeria. We appreciate the support you have given in training and equipping our military, particularly in the war against insurgency, but we want to also continue to work with you on trade and investment.”

Speaking on education, the President told the British Prime Minister that more investment is required in the sector as it is very vital, adding that in this present age, “people can look after themselves if well educated”.

“We need well-staffed and well-equipped institutions to move into the next generation,” he said.

In her remarks, May said the Nigerian government have made good progress in the area of economy, but was concerned about security, especially the abduction of young schoolgirls by Boko Haram.

She assured Buhari of Britain’s commitment to assist Nigeria in the areas of training and equipping the military.

“Good grounding in education is good. It is important to equip young people for today’s world. It is also a good bastion and defence against modern slavery.

“The issue of the environment and climate change is very important, because of its impact on many countries in the Commonwealth. Stability at home is important, to curb illegal migration,” May said.