President Buhari’s Interview with Al Jazeera - Interesting Watch!

President Buhari say he hasnt failed Nigeria as concerns Boko haram..!

Nine months after he came to power, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buharireceived an official welcome from Qatar's Emir on Buhari's latest trip of many to boost Nigeria's standing abroad.

The Nigerian president is seeking support for his crackdown on corruption and to encourage much-needed investment in his country's ailing economy.

Qatar is the current president of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Nigeria is Africa's largest oil producer.

The low oil price has a devastating impact on the Nigerian economy, which has long depended on the export of oil. 

"We were unable to diversify our economy, hence we are much more disadvantaged by the lower oil prices," Buhari says.

Buhari tells us he values the institution of OPEC and that "Nigeria will make the necessary sacrifice to remain in OPEC."

With a chorus of voices, including from the IMF, calling for the Nigerian government to devalue the naira, Buhari says he will not reconsider his insistence on freezing the currency. Buhari says as Nigeria "virtually imports everything, from rice to toothpicks", it cannot afford to devalue its currency.

"If it is against our national interest, why can't we go against the IMF advice?" Buhari asks.

Buhari's election campaign rode on pledges to root out corruption and quash the armed group Boko Haram. Yet, Boko Haram remains active in many areas of Nigeria, seemingly able to strike at will.

And many questions are being asked about whether Buhari's anti-corruption drive is yielding results and if newer forms of corruption are emerging with a freeze on the naira.

President Buhari talks to Al Jazeera about his campaign against graft and why he is adamant he hasn't failed in the fight against Boko Haram. He also explains why he believes the security of his country is best served by being part of the Saudi-led Islamic anti-terrorism coalition announced in December 2015.

Photo Credit: Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera | Source: Al Jazeera

Bellanaija also transcribed the interview...

On Falling Oil Prices
“We were unable to diversify our economy, hence we are much more disadvantaged by the lower oil prices.”

Nigeria in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
“Nigeria will make the necessary sacrifice to remain in OPEC.”

On Biafra
“At least two millions Nigerians were killed in the Biafra war. And for somebody to wake up may be they weren’t born. Looking for Biafra after two millions people were killed, they are joking with the security and Nigeria won’t tolerate Biafra.”

Devaluing the Naira
Nigeria “virtually imports everything, from rice to toothpicks”, it cannot afford to devalue its currency.

“If it is against our national interest, why can’t we go against the IMF advice?”

ForEx for Nigerian Students Schooling Abroad (from the 9 minute mark)
Martine: “What about those who are slightly more privileged like yourself? You’ve got children studying abroad. There are parents in Nigeria with kids in universities and schools abroad, who are now facing the possibility of having to pull their kids out. They can actually no longer afford to pay for school fees?”

Buhari: “If the country cannot afford it, so be it.”

Martine: “But your children will continue their studies, no doubt?”

Buhari: “Those who can afford it, can still afford it. But for those who can’t, Nigeria cannot afford to allocate foreign exchange for those who decided to train their children outside the country. We can’t just afford it.”

Martine: “So it’s tough luck.”

Buhari: “Well, that’s the true situation we are in.”