During his meeting with the Burundian Ambassador, President Bola Tinubu addressed the recent floods that have affected East African countries. He emphasized the urgency for African leaders and governments to collaborate in confronting common challenges, such as climate change and environmental issues.
Extending his condolences to the people of Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia, whose citizens were impacted by the floods, President Tinubu stated, “We must work in unison to address environmental challenges, such as floods, drought, and the attendant humanitarian consequences for the African people.”
On economic relations, President Tinubu promised to follow up on discussions with Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye regarding further cooperation in the oil and gas sector.
He highlighted the importance of African nations working together to promote their interests and develop the continent. “As Africans, it is important for us to work together to promote our interests and develop our continent,” he said.
Ambassador Edouard Nduwimana informed President Tinubu that torrential rains and rising water levels in Lake Tanganyika have severely affected many Burundians since the beginning of the year. He requested Nigeria’s support to aid national relief efforts for those impacted.
Additionally, he called for Nigerian investments in Burundi’s solid minerals sector and reiterated President Ndayishimiye’s interest in opportunities within Nigeria’s oil sector. “We recognize what you are doing in Nigeria, and we believe the country’s growth and development offer valuable lessons for us.
We need Nigerian investors in Burundi in the solid minerals sector, and my President is also desirous of taking further his earlier discussions on opportunities in Nigeria’s oil sector,” the Ambassador said.
