President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday pledged Nigeria’s cooperation in the concerted efforts aimed at reducing oil output in order to attract higher prices in the global market.

Speaking at an audience with the Minister of State for African Affairs and Special Envoy of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Mr. Ahmad Qattan at the State House, Abuja, Buhari said as a responsible member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Nigeria was willing to go along with the Saudi initiative in limiting output so that prices would go up.

According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari said output cuts had always been difficult for Nigeria considering the country’s peculiar circumstances of large population, huge expanse of land and its current under-development state.

“I have listened carefully to the message. I will speak with the Minister of State, Petroleum. I will call for the latest production figures. I know that it is in our interest to listen. We will cooperate,” Buhari said.

While commending King Salman for his leadership in global oil matters, Buhari assured that Nigeria will continue to accord respect to the Kingdom in that regard, explaining that higher oil prices will make both nations stronger and more prosperous.

Responding, the Special Envoy said he had brought special greetings from King Salman and the Crown Prince and wished Nigeria the best as she goes into general elections.