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The US Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, on Thursday promised that the US Embassy in Nigeria would offer technical assistance to help Nigeria solve its lingering challenge of fuel scarcity.
Power made the promise on Thursday in Abuja while fielding questions from newsmen during her visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama.
She said:
“Just last night when I was coming from the airport, I saw long lines at petrol stations here in Nigeria.
“And I really feel for the people of this country, who are going through this difficult economic time.
“And I think this is something the embassy has promised to offer whatever technical advice, counsel and technical assistance that we can offer.
“But we know that some of the best minds in Nigeria are thinking about that, including the ministers in this government.”
Power said US would discuss with Nigeria on diversification of its economy.
She said the drop in oil prices had caused hardship for countries that are oil dependent.
The envoy, who had earlier met with some civil society organisations, said the meeting deliberated on the deteriorating condition in Northern Nigeria, due to the threat posed by Boko Haram insurgency.
She attributed the poor condition in the North Eastern part of Nigeria to economic hardship exacerbated by the insurgence since inter-city trade had been hampered.
NAN