President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said Nigeria has suddenly become a poor country as a result of the sharp drop in price of oil.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President spoke while receiving the United Nations Population Fund’s Executive Director and Under Secretary-General of the United Nations, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking at a meeting in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, yesterday, Mr Buhari said:

“It has been a very difficult year for Nigeria. Before we came to office, petroleum sold for about $100 (£77) per barrel. Then it crashed to $37, and now oscillates between $40 and $45 per barrel.”

 “Suddenly, we’re a poor country, but commitment to transparency and accountability is not making people know that there is severe shortage.”

President Buhari thanked the UN agency for its commitment to saving lives in Nigeria, particularly of women and children.