Olubunmi Moves To Strengthen Relations With EU

By Nkiru Njemanze

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has moved to strengthen Nigeria’s relations with the European Union.

While hosting the Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, at his office in Abuja, the Minister stated that the move comes on the heels of the ministry’s intent to implement key reforms in areas of migration and reformation of correctional centres.

During the meeting, the minister described the relationship with the EU as historical noting that areas of bond with the ministry’s key reforms include combating illegal migration, unearthing organised crime, and upholding the rule of law.

According to the minister, the EU could support the country in deploying technology to buffer and enhance border management within the country.

“The European Union is important to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. Our relationship with the EU is historical in terms of but not limited to bilateral support,” he said.

“If we are able to solve crime and migration problems in Nigeria, Africa will be better for it. Due to the boundaries Africa shares with the EU, our problems are more of an EU problem than any other part of the world. And, because we are committed to solving this, we will explore all avenues”.

The Minister noted that the Ministry was working on key reforms, especially in areas of travel documentation processes and knowledge transfer.

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Speaking on plans to decongest the nation’s correctional facilities across the country, the minister revealed that over seventy per cent of the 79,000 inmates are awaiting trial.

The Minister urged the EU to support the Federal Government’s plan to carry out an audit of all correctional centres.

Earlier, the EU Ambassador, Samuela Isopi assured the Minister that the EU would render technical support in managing the illegal aspect of migration as well as curbing human trafficking and people smuggling.

Edited By Grace Namiji