President Buhari to embark on 3-day visit to South Africa
- President Muhammadu Buhari is to depart Abuja for South Africa following an invitation from his counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa
- A presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, says Buhari is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with the South African president during the trip
- Buhari is also expected to hold a town hall meeting with Nigerians living in South Africa with a view to reassuring them of Nigeria’s government commitment to working for the protection of their lives and property
President Muhammadu Buhari will on Wednesday, October 2, depart Abuja for South Africa on a three-day visit.
A presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu in a statement on Tuesday, October 1, said the visit was in response to an invitation by President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss the welfare of Nigerians, and find and enhance the relations between both countries.
Shehu stated that during his trip, Buhari will hold a town hall meeting with Nigerians living in South Africa with a view to reassuring them of Nigeria’s government commitment to working for the protection of their lives and property and promoting peaceful co-existence.
The statement from the presidency said Buhari and the South African president will preside over a bi-national commission and that both leaders will sign a joint communiqué after the meeting.
Some of those listed to accompany Buhari on the trip include: Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state and Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state.
Others are: Minister of foreign affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; minister of defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd); minister of power, Eng. Saleh Mamman; minister of interior, Rauf Aregbesola; minister of mines and steel development, Olamilekan Adegbite; minister of police affairs, Maigari Dingyadi; and minister of state, industry, trade and investment, Mariam Katagum.
The presidency added that also on the trip are: National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd); Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and Chairman/CEO Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
The president is expected to return to the country on Friday, October 4.
In another report, President Buhari has directed the ministry of finance, budget and national planning to release N600 billion for capital expenditure in the next three months.
The president gave the directive in his nationwide broadcast in Abuja to mark Nigeria’s 59th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday, October 1, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports
Legit.ng gathered that Buhari stated that the directive was informed by his administration’s desire to significantly increase investments in the nation's critical infrastructure.
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Source: Legit.ng
