President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said the sharp drop in oil prices has made Nigeria a poor country.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the president said this 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.

He said his administration had however made the situation less known to the people, due to proper handling of the nation’s resources.

“It has been a very difficult year for Nigeria. Before we came to office, petroleum sold for about $100 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,” the President said.

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

Azeez