Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has praised two airport security men who returned a bag full of cash and valuables, saying their behaviour "reflects the new Nigeria that we all desire".

Their act of honesty bowled the president over, who issued a press statement celebrating the men who chose "to be examples of good, honest Nigerians".

The bag, which contained "a handsome amount of American dollars, phone, wrist watch, and other valuables" was accidentally dropped by a woman at Lagos airport, according to a press release issued by the State House.

The security men in question, Francis Emepueaku and Achi Daniel, declined a cash gift for returning the bag and said "they were merely doing their duties," the press release said.

"Honesty remains the best policy. We must exhibit such behaviour in whatever position we find ourselves, whether high or low," the president said.

"Nigeria will no longer be a byword for corruption and plundering of public resources. That is the path we have chosen to take, and our country will eventually get to a new shore," he added.

Mr Buhari won the last election on a platform of fighting corruption but has been criticised for the slow progress he’s made, reports the BBC's Stephanie Hegarty in Lagos.