“You have vast experience in matters affecting the Sahel, having served for five years in Mali.
“I hope you will get the countries to work together to confront the issues affecting them.”
Describing the problems as “enormous,” President Buhari noted that Boko Haram has exacted heavy toll in terms of lives and resources in Nigeria and some neighbouring countries, while Mali equally has a large swathe of the country occupied by militants.
He submitted: “I hope under the auspices of UNOWAS, you will help get the problems sorted out.
“Most of them have to do with the instability in Libya, and it affects all of us.”
According to the statement by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, President Buhari pledged the assistance of Nigeria to the Special Representative so that he could succeed in his assignment.
Annadif said he was visiting shortly after his appointment because he recognised the crucial role of Nigeria in West Africa.
He said he was quite familiar with the problems of the Sahel region and would depend on the help of Nigeria to succeed.