The Nigerian President, Alh.Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has urged the G-8 nations to fulfil their commitments to Africa, made over the past few years.

The President was speaking while receiving the outgoing ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, Mr. John Campbell, at the State House on Wednesday.

“We appreciate your leadership role in the G-8 and hope you will continue to ensure that members fulfil their commitments to Africa, especially since 2005”, he stated.

President Yar’Adua assured the US ambassador that Nigeria would continue to shoulder her traditional responsibility for peace, democracy and social justice in Africa, and expressed appreciation to Mr. Campbell for offering to support Nigeria’s efforts.

He said Nigeria would continue to explore ways of extending and expanding the cordial relations with the USA, adding, “We will live up to our obligations”.

Earlier, Mr. Campbell said “Nigeria is indispensable in Africa and a giant of the continent with huge international responsibilities thrust on her”, adding that the USA would assist Nigeria in the pursuit for peace, democracy and development in the country and Africa.

He thanked President Yar’Adua and all Nigerians for making his three-year tenure in the country memorable and successful.

Also today, the outgoing Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. David Angell, bid farewell to President Yar’Adua after a three-year tenure.

He told the President that he witnessed “extraordinary changes and enjoyed extraordinary warmth from Nigerians” during his stay.

He said bilateral relations between his country and Nigeria had grown tremendously, evidenced by the increasing number of Canadian businesses here and the rising number of Nigerians living and working in Canada.

President Yar’Adua thanked Mr Angell for his hard work and wished him well in his next posting.