Obasanjo seeks debt relief in London
|
|
Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has met British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London, on his first official visit to the United Kingdom since his election last year. Nigeria is seeking relief of its estimated $30bn arears from donor countries including the UK. It says it is too poor to pay the required $3bn a year demanded by donors. Mr Obasanjo later told reporters: “The British Government has always given us commitments.” But International Development Minister Clare Short has said unconditional debt relief from Britain was unlikely. Mr Obasanjo is also expected ask Britain for help to retrieve money stolen from Nigeria by the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha. Fuel sympathy Both leaders also discussed the current fuel crisis that has gripped Europe. Nigeria is a member of the oil producing group Opec. Mr Obasanjo offered sympathetic words over the fuel crisis Mr Obasanjo said the recent announcement of an increase in oil production was only the beginning. “With the steps Opec has taken, it is not the last step. We are watching the situation,” the Nigerian president said. Mr Obasanjo later met Foreign Office minister Peter Hain, and discussed the crisis in Sierra Leone. Nigeria has the single largest force in Sierra Leone, where international efforts are underway to bring peace. Both countries are expected to reach an agreement where Britain will supply Nigeria with Rolls Royce turbines in the power generation sector. Correspondents say the visit comes at a time where relations between Nigeria and Britain are at its strongest following a dismal period when Nigeria was under military rule. More : news.bbc.co.uk |