Buhari: Trial of corrupt fuel subsidy marketers to start soon

President Muhammadu Buhari has restated his determination to sanitise Nigeria’s oil industry and free it from corruption and shady deals.
Buhari made the statement on Sunday in New York, United States (U.S.) during a meeting with President Xi Jinping of China on the side lines of the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations.
He said that the first step in this direction had already been taken with the appointment of a new management for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsequent reorganisation.
He said that the prosecution of those who misappropriated NNPC’s revenue under past administrations would soon commence.
Buhari commended President Xi for China’s assistance to Nigeria to curb the theft of crude oil.
He applauded China’s interception of shipload of crude oil stolen from Nigeria which was to be sold and their proceeds paid into private accounts.
“We know your stand on corruption and we are grateful. Your continued cooperation in curbing oil theft from Nigeria will be appreciated, ” he said.
Buhari told his Chinese counterpart that under his leadership, the Nigerian military had been re-trained and re-equipped and was now making steady gains in the fight against Boko Haram.
In his remark, President Xi said China was involved in the development of Nigeria in diverse areas like construction of railways, airports, agriculture, Mambilla Hydro-power project, among others.
He promised that China would increase its investment in Nigeria’s agriculture sector to boost food security.
Xi also promised that his country would invest in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and assist in the development of human capital.