By Levinus Nwabughiogu

Cotonou—President Muhammadu Buhari weekend said his government would reduce the number of ministries currently in existence but did not, however, give a specific number of the ministries he would retain. This is the first time the president would be making a direct public statement on the issue, believed to have been necessitated by the recommendation of Ahmed Joda Committee.

President Buhari

President Buhari gave the insight while answering questions from Nigerians resident in Benin Republic during his one-day official visit to the country. Responding to a request by Nigerians to establish two or more consulates in the country, the President said: “I think I will direct your ambassador to make the request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that by the time we are doing the next budget, it would be included.

‘’Although we are trying to cut down on the number of ministries, the morale of Nigerians in diaspora must be considered. This is because we are so many. We are aggressive whether in business or other facets of life. So, we will do everything possible to look after Nigerians wherever they are.” He also told the Nigerians not be in a haste to return home, saying it would compound the problems at home as there were no jobs to immediately engage them.

President Buhari stated that the request of establishing an open university would be examined, assuring them of protecting their businesses. He further urged them to respect the laws of their host country, recalling that news from South Africa about Nigerians was not cheery. “The second question is what is this government doing to facilitate your return home. I believe a lot of you are doing well and are better of here. So, the question of facilitating your coming home does not arise.

We don’t want you to come back home and be unemployed. Don’t come and add to our problems. If you see something doing here, please continue doing it.  “It’s usual for me since I was sworn in to meet the representatives of the Nigerian community wherever I go and answer questions even though I have only been in office for only about two months. I have always told the Nigerian communities to respect their hosts culture and obey their laws.

“There are a number of problems in South Africa which did not portray us in good light as Nigerians. Some of them are in prison for committing a number of crimes. But for you who are so close home, you should do your best in being good ambassadors of the country.