Libya's stability means alot to Nigeria's security - Buhari

• President Buhari said the stability of Libya has a direct effect on countries along the Lake Chad Basin area, including Nigeria

• The President hosted Mohammed Younis Menfi, Chairman, Presidential Council of Libya on Wednesday, May 26

• Nigeria shares borders with Niger and Chad

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the stability of Libya is crucial to countries in the Lake Chad Basin area, including Nigeria.

He made the comment as he hosted Mohammed Younis Menfi, Chairman, Presidential Council of Libya on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in Abuja.

“Republics of Chad, and Niger, have extensive borders with Libya, and they are our immediate neighbors. Whatever affects them affects us. The stability or instability of Libya will directly affect us,” President Buhari said.

He stressed that the security of Nigeria was the number one priority to him, noting that “unless a country or institution is secured, there’s no way you can efficiently manage it.”

President Buhari said he was happy that the Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya could personally attend the Summit of Lake Chad Basin Commission held in Abuja on Tuesday, to discuss the situation in Chad, and the implications for security in neighbouring countries, reports Premium Times.

Mr Menfi said Libya was fast-evolving, “and we now have one government, active on the ground. We are expelling the mercenaries, and unifying the instructions.”

He said democratic elections would be held in due course, adding that the historical relationship between his country and Nigeria in the areas of oil and agriculture meant that one country could not ignore the other.

“We aspire for joint cooperation, and reactivation of previous agreements,” Mr Menfi said.