President Barack Obama of the United States has expressed confidence in the ability of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to overcome the challenges facing the country.

Obama stated this when he met with Buhari on the sideline of the 71st edition of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

He described Buhari as a man of “integrity and honesty.”

He said: “We have confidence in your leadership.

“There are some difficulties you face, but this administration is willing to assist in the short time we have left.

“You have made real progress in defeating the brutal organization called Boko Haram, and that was achieved because of your leadership.”

Obama said America would be willing to assist Nigeria “in defeating Boko Haram and the resolution of the Niger Delta crisis, which he said would “help ramp up oil production and increase revenue.”

He also promised commitment to resolving the humanitarian crisis in the North East and recovering Nigeria’s stolen money stashed in foreign banks.

The American President said his country looked forward to a framework for sustained partnership between it and Nigeria, which he described as a big and important country in sub-Saharan Africa.

President Buhari had earlier assured the US president and the international community that Nigeria will soon become self-sufficient in food production.

He said that the farming season was good this year and there is hope for a good harvest.

“Nigeria is on the road to food self-sufficiency soon,” he said.

“We shall be able to feed ourselves, and utilize the billions of dollars spent on importing food on other productive areas.”

Buhari also told the American President that Nigeria is making steady progress towards resolving the problem in the Niger Delta region which has led to economic sabotage on a grand scale.

He said: “We are making definite progress on how many factions of the militant groups exist, their leadership and operational basis, and we have equally sought the cooperation of the oil majors.

“In a short while, I believe the issues would be resolved.”

The Nigerian president thanked America for its numerous assistance in the fight against insurgency.

He acknowledged that through provision of armaments, training for Nigerian troops, and sharing of intelligence, the nation’s military has been able to degrade the Boko Haram in the Northeast.

He however said the country would welcome more support in tackling the humanitarian crisis currently ravaging the region.

Buhari reiterated that his administration would not let-up on its major campaign promises of improving the nation’s security, fighting corruption and revamping of the economy.

He wished President Obama a happy retirement, as he gradually winds down on his tenure in office.