Buhari appeals to world leaders for cancellation of Nigeria’s debt

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for debt cancellation for developing countries, saying it poses “severe challenges” to the affected nations.

He spoke on Wednesday at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA.

Buhari, while addressing world leaders said poor countries were facing numerous challenges, which include inability to service external debts.

The president said; “Nigeria, therefore, implores our global partners to do more to complement our endeavours. Indeed the multi-faceted challenges facing most developing countries have placed the ability to address their fiscal place.

“This equally calls for the need to address the burden of unsustainable external debts by a global commitment to the expansion and extension of the debt service suspension initiative to countries facing fiscal and liquidity challenges as well as outright cancellation for countries facing the most severe challenges.”

Buhari noted that his September 21st address of the diplomatic community would be his last as President because by this time next year, Nigeria will have a new leader representing her at the occasion.

He vowed to entrench a process of free, fair, transparent and credible elections through which Nigerians elect leaders of their choice.

Speaking further, Buhari reiterated his commitment to constitutional term limits and Nigeria’s effort to promote rule of law and democracy in West Africa, citing the country’s support to The Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Chad during their political impasse.

He added; “Indeed, we now are preparing for general elections in Nigeria next February. At the 78th UNGA, there will be a new face at this podium speaking for Nigeria.

“Ours is a vast country strengthened by its diversity and its common values of hard work, enduring faith, and a sense of community. We have invested heavily to strengthen our framework for free and fair elections. I thank our partners for all the support that they have provided for our elections.

“As President, I have set the goal that one of the enduring legacies I will like to leave is to entrench a process of free, fair and transparent credible elections through which Nigerians elect their choice”.