President Muhammadu Buhari has told delegates at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Middle East and North Africa that no territory in the country is under the control of Boko Haram terrorists.
Buhari said this on Saturday to signal the beginning of discussions at the forum holding in Jordan.
He thanked the world leaders for their collective efforts in fighting terrorist organisations around the world.
Buhari said: “We have recaptured all territories held by Boko Haram in 2014. We have liberated thousands of Nigerians held against their will.
“Today, I am pleased to say no territory in the Federal Republic of Nigeria is held or controlled by Boko Haram.
“We are extremely grateful to the many countries that have stood with Nigeria to confront this global scourge and in particular, the Kingdom of Jordan under the leadership of His Majesty, the King.”
He continued: “It is at this point that we must ask ourselves how we, as a region, got to this point. The answer, at least in the case of Nigeria, is the lack of social and economic inclusion.”
The president also called for more partnership between the Middle East and Africa.
“Africa and the Middle East must therefore focus on policies that will deliver shared economic prosperity for all our citizens. On trade and investments for example, we can do more. Africa represents only five percent of Jordan’s trade with the world. But we have the resources, the people and the markets to do more.
“Opportunities exist in key job creating sectors such as Agriculture, Health, Tourism, ICT, Infrastructure as well as Textile and garmenting to mention a few,” he said.
