President Muhammadu Buhari praised the collective efforts of nations to address security challenges around the world and within Nigeria, urging greater collaboration to control terrorism, banditry and insurgency.
The President gave the eulogy when he received Letters of Credence from the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. James Christoff and the Mexican ambassador to Nigeria, Juan Oritz, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Nigerian leader told diplomats that there had been success in curbing insecurity through cross-border collaboration, and more could be achieved.
“The devastating effect of global insecurity, climate change and the post-COVID-19 era has devastated global economies. Nations continue to struggle to recover from these multiple global challenges.
“The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has undermined the progress that countries have made in the fight against food security in the last decade. Meanwhile, political instability in Libya continues to fuel terrorism in the Sahel, as well as undermine democratic sustenance in the West and Central African regions.
“Nigeria is not left out of the equation as we are fighting to rid our country of banditry, kidnapping, herder/farmer crisis and insurgency.
“However, we are making significant progress with the support of friendly countries like yours to sustain these fights until we overcome these challenges,” he said.
At the regional level, Mr. Buhari said that Nigeria has been working with other ECOWAS member states and other regional blocs to address the issues of terrorism, cross-border crime, maritime crime such as piracy and illegal fishing in our waters, drug and human trafficking, banditry, as well as unconstitutional changes of government.
“I believe that security issues have become an issue for all nations, as these challenges go beyond the capabilities of any single country to contain them effectively.
“Therefore, the world must work closely together and Nigeria counts on your support to cement relations between our countries both bilaterally and multilaterally to overcome these global threats to civilization,” he added.
The president urged diplomats to monitor political developments in the country, ahead of the 2023 elections, but must remain true to their professional ethic of non-interference.
He noted that Nigeria was approaching its national elections and that candidates representing their parties at different levels were starting to build consensus within their respective parties in preparation for launching campaigns across the country soon.
“As the campaign drums begin to beat, I urge you to be guided by diplomatic practice to ensure that your activities remain within the confines of your profession as you oversee the preparation for the elections and the conduct of the elections. general elections”. he said.
The president also advised diplomats to focus on building on the successes of their predecessors.
“The task before you requires both of you to build on the successes of your predecessors and exert more efforts in expanding and advancing cordial bilateral relations and cooperation between Nigeria and your respective countries.
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“These relations, as you all know, cover political, socioeconomic and cultural spheres, which over time have benefited our peoples.
“I am sure that, in carrying out your diplomatic responsibilities in the course of your term of office, you will have time to appreciate the uniqueness and strength of the cultural diversities of our country, in terms of human and natural resources, as well as the flora and fauna throughout the country,” the president said.
He said Nigeria’s cultural diversity “represents our pride as a nation and identity as a people,” while urging the diplomats to build friendships and acquaintances while in the country.
In his words, on behalf of the ambassadors, the Canadian High Commissioner thanked the president for the acceptance ceremony of the Letters of Credence.
“Today marks the formal beginning of our engagement with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We will work closely with ministers and officials to start a progressive relationship,” Christoff said.
(YAYA)