President Buhari addressing the UN General Assembly

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday called for global support for the cleanup of Ogoniland and to raise 14 billion US Dollars for the restoration of Lake Chad Basin.

The president made the call while presenting Nigeria’s statement at the 71th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA71) in New York, U.S.A.

He said the call had become imperative in view of the drying up of the Lake Chad to the negative consequences of Climate Change.

“Nigeria is proud to have been part of the process leading to the adoption of the Paris Agreement in December 2015, and supports the African Union Initiative on the Great Green Wall to halt desertification.’’

The president said it was in furtherance of the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability that Nigeria launched the cleanup of Ogoniland.

He called on development partners and multinationals to contribute to the Ogoniland Restoration Fund.

The Nigerian leader also spoke on dangers posed by global terrorists.

“Nigeria has made remarkable progress in our resolve to defeat Boko Haram, whose capacity to launch orchestrated attacks as a formed group has been severely degraded.

“In the last few months, their operations have been limited to sporadic use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) against soft targets.”

According to him, Nigeria will continue to fight terrorism “based on the established rules of engagement and in conformity with international best practices”.

Buhari also called for enhanced international cooperation to defeat the global scourge.

The President also stated Nigeria’s position on flow of migrants, statehood for Palestinians in conformity with Security Council resolutions; the vital role of youth to national development; and nuclear security.

He also advocated for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to give Africa adequate representation.

“Nigeria stands ready to serve Africa and the world on a reformed Security Council to advance international peace and security,” he declared.(NAN)