President Muhammadu Buhari is currently on his way to Dubai for the EXPO 2020 holding in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Femi Adesina, Presidential spokesman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
He said the President will be accompanied by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo; Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajia Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed; Defence, Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd); Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; and Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar.
Others, according to him, were: Ministers of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami; Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite; Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Maryam Katagum, the National Security Adviser , Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd), Director-General of National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar and the Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission , Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Adesina said EXPO 2020 Dubai, with the theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, created the environment for Nigeria to join over 190 countries to forge true and meaningful partnerships “to build a better future for everyone.”
He said the Expo would provide another opportunity for the Nigerian delegation to highlight significant strides in the economy in the last six years as a basis for making the country an important destination for foreign direct investment.
The presidential spokesman said aside touring the Nigerian Pavilion at the Expo on Friday, Nigeria’s National Day, the President will also receive in audience prospective investors as well as meet with His Highness, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai.
On Saturday, Buhari, according to Adesina, will be the Special Guest of Honour at the special Trade and Investment Forum themed: Unveiling Investment Opportunities in Nigeria.
He said it was put together to mark Nigeria’s presence at the gathering by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
He said Buhari is expected back in Abuja on Sunday, December 5, 2021.
The president’s trip comes amid global concern of Omicron COVID variant.
Three cases of the variant have been detected in Nigeria.
Credit: Daily Trust