As stage sets for Nigeria’s President Buhari to meet Trump in Washington

Pundits say Buhari’s preoccupation for the visit is his endorsement for his second-term in 2019. But presidential sources say they are expected to discuss shared economic and security interests. Photo/BBC

As stage sets for Nigeria’s President Buhari to meet Trump in Washington

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Hours from now, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will be meeting the United States President, Donald Trump in Washington.

Pundits say Buhari’s preoccupation for the visit is his endorsement for his second-term in 2019. But presidential sources say they are expected to discuss shared economic and security interests.

Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, has toured US media houses assuring that Buhari is fit health-wise to seek re-election.

Despite huge opposition at home, Buhari has declared interest to contest in 2019. His challengers tackle him on his inability to assure security in Nigeria and or return Nigeria to economic prosperity.

Buhari’s health status is also still a very big issue according to BBC earlier report.

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Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the US government to use the opportunity of Buhari’s visit to press him to return Nigeria to democratic principles.

Buhari-Trump meet will be a spectacle to watch after a row over Mr Trump’s alleged use of the word “shithole” to describe African nations.

If Buhari-Trump will discuss security challenges, the nine-year-old insurgency by Boko Haram jihadists in the north-east, and mounting insecurity in the middle belt occasioned by herdsmen will top chart.

The White House has sold 12 counter insurgency aircraft worth $496m (£360m) to Nigeria to help in its fight against Boko Haram.

Buhari’s handlers also said the two leaders will discuss ways to deepen economic cooperation between both their countries.

After the talks, the Nigeria leader is due to meet businesses specialising in agriculture.

Senior Nigerian government officials will also discuss a number of projects with executives from major US transport companies.