President Muhammadu Buhari says leading a well-populated country like Nigeria requires sacrifices to maintain peace and fairness.

Mr Buhari said this on Sunday while commending the efforts of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia for maintaining peace and unity in that country, despite its large population.

“You are leading a country that is large and diversified, just like Nigeria, and I know the sacrifices required to make the desired impact, especially in maintaining peace,” the president was quoted as saying in a statement by his media aide, Femi Adesina.

Mr Buhari said this at a meeting between the two leaders at the headquarters of the African Union on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The president urged the Ethiopian leader to stay focused on keeping the country together, in spite of the difficulties, assuring that Nigeria would continue to support efforts at peaceful co-existence and unity.

He said Ahmed had provided strong leadership for the country, encouraging him to sustain the good work in ensuring even development.

In his remarks, the prime minister thanked Mr Buhari for supporting his country over the years, on national and personal endeavours, particularly in encouraging unity and stability.

Ahmed noted that the African continent had been slow in growth due to conflicts, adding that the larger economies, like Nigeria and Ethiopia, should provide the leadership that would deepen progress and prosperity on the continent.

The prime minister said the resurgence of coups on the continent could further weaken institutions and reverse the gains of democracy.

He, however, appreciated the Nigerian leader for his position on zero tolerance for military interference in governance, saying that collective and visionary leadership would move Africa forward.

(NAN)