By Abdullahi M. Gulloma
Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has called for more intensive trade and economic engagement between Nigeria and Italy.
Speaking yesterday during a courtesy call by the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Paolo Gentiloni, at the State House in Abuja, the President efforts should be made to make the connection between Nigeria and Italy stronger.
The President commended the resilience of Italian businesses, and expressed happiness that new businesses were in line to be set up in the country.
He also commended Italian support for the federal government in tackling the humanitarian situation in the North-east and the training they are giving to Nigerian policemen.
Gentiloni, who was accompanied by the Italian Minister of State for Interior, Mr. Domenico Manzione, announced his government’s $10 million humanitarian assistance to the Lake Chad region countries in addition to what they were already doing.
He said the visit of the business group on his delegation was a fulfillment of the promise made by the Italian Prime Minister, Mr. Matteo Renzi, during his visit in February, to strengthen relations with Nigeria politically and economically.
