Insecurity : Nigeria To Strengthen Relations With France

In a bid to enhance the fight against terrorism and oil theft, the House of Representives wants an improvement in the existing military and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and France .

The Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Mr. Babajimi Benson, stated this when he received a delegation from the French Parliament on behalf of the Speaker, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Two members of the House, Mr. Garba Ibrahim and Mr. Rufus Ojuawo, joined Mr Benson to receive the French delegation.

The Chairman House Commitee on Defence, raised questions regarding possible ways of collaboration with France in areas of security through the provision of military hardware, defence industrial capacity, fight against oil theft among others.

He said there was the need for France to help Nigeria develop local capacity in terms of security as well as collaborate with Nigeria to address crude oil theft.

The Lawmaker also sought the cooperation of the French Government to support the Nigerian military to balance the gender issue in the system.

He also urged the French delegation to advocate for the strengthening of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and France via the legislative arms of both countries using parliamentary friendship groups established by the House.

Both Mr Ibrahim and Mr. Ojuawo raised concerns on the withdrawal of the French troops from Niger Republic following the coup that took place in that country last year.

The leader of the delegation, Mr. Thomas Gassilloud, who is also the Chairman, Committee on National Defence and Armed Forces in the French National Assembly, informed his Nigerian counterparts that France withdrew its troops from Niger based on request by the host country, adding that France did that to align with the decision of ECOWAS.

While noting that Nigeria has potential and that the country has a big role to play at the international stage, the leader of the delegation said the two countries were already collaborating in the area of intelligence sharing, which enabled France to target leaders of terrorist groups.

Mr. Gassiloud stated that French vessels patrol the international waters up to the coast of Nigeria and in the process have been able to establish partnership with the Nigerian Navy, describing It as a good cooperation.”

He said given that Nigeria plays a regional role, France was also trying to support the Nigerian Armed Forces to be able to provide support to their neighbours.

“We also try to work with local companies to support them to develop capacity in different areas. There’s a defence agreement between Nigeria and France. We have ratified it, but we’re waiting for Nigeria to do same”.

“With regards to oil theft, it’s a very critical issue. It comes with environmental pollution. It’s true that statistics show that huge quantity is stolen. It’s in the interest of everyone to see that this issue is resolved,” the head of French delegation said.

By Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji