The House of Representatives on Monday emphasised the necessity of improving the existing military and diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and France. This enhancement aims to bolster the fight against terrorism, oil theft, and legislative diplomacy through parliamentary friendship groups.
Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, conveyed this message in Abuja while addressing a delegation from the French Parliament on behalf of Speaker Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.
Hon. Benson raised questions about potential collaboration with France in the areas of security, including the provision of military hardware, defence industrial capacity, and combating oil theft, among other concerns.
He emphasized the need for France to assist Nigeria in developing local security capacity and collaborating to address crude oil theft. Additionally, Hon. Benson sought French government cooperation to support the Nigerian military in addressing gender imbalances within the system.
The lawmaker urged the French delegation to advocate for strengthening diplomatic relations between Nigeria and France through the legislative arms of both countries, utilizing parliamentary friendship groups established by the House.
During separate remarks, Hon. Ibrahim and Hon. Ojuawo expressed concerns about the withdrawal of French troops from Niger Republic following the coup that occurred in that country last year.
In response, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Thomas Gassilloud, who also chairs 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 the host country’s request.
He stated, “We did that to align ourselves with the decision of ECOWAS.”
Acknowledging Nigeria’s potentials and its significant role at the international stage, the delegation leader mentioned existing collaboration in intelligence sharing, enabling the targeting of leaders of terrorist groups.
Mr. Gassiloud highlighted French vessels patrolling international waters up to the coast of Nigeria, establishing partnerships with the Nigerian Navy in the process. He emphasized the importance of cooperation, particularly in supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces to provide assistance to neighboring countries.
“We also try to work with local companies to support them in developing 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 the same,” stated the head of the French delegation concerning the critical issue of oil theft and its environmental implications. “It’s in everyone’s interest to see that this issue is resolved,” he added.
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