Nigerian President thanks China for intercepting stolen crude oil

Muhammadu Buhari, President of Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in New York said China has intercepted shiploads of crude oil stolen from Nigeria. A statement by the Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the intercepted shiploads of crude oil were to be sold and proceeds paid into private accounts.
Buhari spoke at a meeting with President Xi Jinping of China on the sidelines of the 70th United Nations General Assembly. Buhari also used the occasion to restate his determination to fully sanitise Nigeria’s oil industry and make it totally free of corruption and shady deals.
Buhari said that a necessary first step in this direction had already been taken with the appointment of a new management for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsequent reorganisation.

President Xi Jinping of China    (C)Wikipedia

 The president further restated that the prosecution of those who misappropriated NNPC’s revenue under past administrations would soon commence. Buhari also thanked the Chinese president for helping in curbing crude oil theft from Nigeria.
He said: “We know your stand on corruption, and we are grateful. Your continued cooperation in curbing oil theft from Nigeria will be appreciated.”
He also assured Xi that under its new leadership, the Nigerian military had been retrained and reequipped, and was now making steady gains against Boko Haram.
Responding, Xi told Buhari that China, which was already involved in Nigeria in diverse areas like the railways, airports, agriculture, and in the Mambilla hydro-power project, among others, would increase its investment in the country’s agricultural sector in order for Nigeria to achieve food security. He also promised further Chinese investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, and more support for human capital development in the country.
Aside crude oil, Gu also said China imports iron ore and soya beans from Nigeria on a regular basis.

Source: ThisDay Live