An improvement in the current military and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and France has been advocated for by the House of Representatives. This call aims to bolster the fight against terrorism, oil theft, and to foster legislative diplomacy through the parliamentary relationship between the two countries.
When receiving a delegation from the French Parliament on behalf of the Speaker, Mr Abbas Tajudeen, the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, highlighted the need for collaboration with France in security, including the provision of military hardware, defence industrial capacity, and combatting oil theft, among other areas.
Moreover, Benson urged the Emmanuel Macron-led country to assist Nigeria in enhancing local security capacity and to work together to address crude oil theft. Additionally, he sought the cooperation of the French government in supporting the Nigerian military to address gender imbalance within the system.
In a statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Musa Krishi, Benson encouraged the French delegation “To advocate for the strengthening of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and France through the legislative arms of both countries using parliamentary friendship groups established by the House.”
Furthermore, concerns were raised by Ibrahim and Ojuawo regarding the withdrawal of French troops from the Niger Republic following the previous year’s coup in the country.
The leader of the delegation, Thomas Gassilloud, who also serves as the Chairman of the 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 a request by the host country, aligning with the decision of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Gassiloud also mentioned the existing collaboration between the two countries in intelligence sharing, highlighting its role in targeting leaders of terrorist groups. He further emphasized the joint efforts on maritime patrolling up to the Nigerian coast and fostering a partnership with the Nigerian Navy.
Addressing the defense agreement between Nigeria and France, Gassiloud revealed that France has ratified it and is awaiting Nigeria’s ratification. He stressed the urgency in resolving the critical issue of oil theft, emphasizing its environmental implications and the need for a collective resolution.
The meeting marks a significant step in fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and France, especially in addressing shared security challenges and bolstering bilateral cooperation.
