Trump to meet with Nigerian leader at White House

President Trump will host Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at the White House on April 30, the White House announced on Sunday.

Trump will discuss issues such as promoting economic growth and fighting terrorism with Buhari, the White House said in a statement.

“The relationship of the United States with Nigeria is deep and strong, and Nigeria’s economic growth, security, and leadership in Africa will advance our mutual prosperity,” the statement said.

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Nigeria has been combating the terrorist organization Boko Haram for years and recently the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria as well.

The State Department under Trump approved the sale of 12 high-tech attack planes and equipment worth $600 million to Nigeria last year after the Obama administration halted the sale because of accusations that Nigeria’s air force was bombing civilians.

Buhari, who is 75 and coming off a months-long illness, announced earlier this month that he plans to seek reelection in 2019.

To win, he will likely have to first convince his divided party that he is fit to run, then show Nigerians that he is capable of helping the country out of its current economic crisis that he is often blamed for worsening.