Nigerian President to Visit Ghana to Discuss Regional Security

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will travel to Accra on Monday to discuss regional security with his Ghanaian counterpart, John Dramani Mahama, his office said in a statement.

During the one-day official visit Buhari, who on Saturday marked his first 100 days in office, will also discuss trade relations with Ghana, his office said.

Buhari, a former military head of state, has previously visited neighboring Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin as part of his efforts to build a concerted regional effort against the Islamist extremists of Boko Haram.

Their insurgency has claimed more than 15,000 lives since it start in 2009, with 2.1 million people displaced as a result of the conflict.

The countries have pledged to contribute troops to the  Multinational Joint Force (MNJTF), expected to number some 8,700 troops and police, which are due to deploy soon.

Buhari will be accompanied on the visit by his national security adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno, and senior officials in the ministries of foreign affairs, defense, justice and industry, trade and investment.