The Secretary-General met this morning in Abuja with Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria.

They discussed the partnership between the United Nations and Nigeria and the country's leadership and contribution to regional stability and development. The Secretary-General commended the President for his role in the resolution of the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire.

The Secretary-General and the President discussed the deterioration of the security situation in Southern Sudan and the way forward toward Southern Sudan's independence in July. They also discussed the need for consensus with regard to the situation in Libya.

The Secretary-General commended the Government for its leadership in the National Assembly's passage of a new health bill which will facilitate the provision of primary health care in Nigeria. He said he hoped other countries would follow this example. They also discussed counter-terrorism cooperation and efforts to curb the proliferation of small arms.