Buhari Hails Macron, Assures France Of Cooperation To Tackle Criminal Networks

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured France of cooperation to dismantle international criminal networks, while appreciating the country’s support for Nigeria’s development.

Ezenwoko’s Blog reports that Buhari stated this on Wednesday while speaking at a working lunch at Palais Elysee.

He appreciated efforts of President Emmanuel Macron in expanding opportunities for business between Nigerians and French citizens, while committing to partnership to degrade international criminal networks.

Buhari noted that the visit of Macron to Nigeria in 2018 had yielded fruits in renewed interest for entrepreneurship beyond local borders, with more businesses expanding their reach and scope in France, particularly with establishment of French Nigeria Investment Club.

“On the business front, we welcome the personal efforts of President Macron to strengthen ties between Nigerian and French corporations. It was during your visit to Lagos in 2018 that the French Nigeria Investment Club was established.

“You were also instrumental to the establishment of the France-Nigeria Business Council more recently in June 2021. These efforts have brought together some of the largest corporations in Nigeria and France and the stage is set for expanded engagement by entrepreneurs in both countries,” he said.

According to Buhari, the French government continues to share the vision of promoting stronger ties in health, education and security.

“On security, we commend France for its strong commitment to peace and security in the Sahel and the Lake Chad region. This has contributed significantly to the fight against terrorism and extremism in the region.

“Irregular migration and human trafficking are issues of concern to both Nigeria and France. Transnational criminal networks operating in Africa and Europe are exploiting the vulnerable in the most dehumanising ways. We are committed to working with the relevant French authorities to dismantle these networks.

“Nigeria and France have a wide scope to expand and deepen their relations. This effort would be aided by closer engagement at the ministerial level,” he added.

President Buhari appreciated the French President for support in improving bilateral relations with Nigeria.

“Mr. President, we are determined to take steps to further strengthen our bilateral relations and we look forward to working closely with the French government on this.

“France is a major development partner for Nigeria and we truly appreciate this. The contributions of the Agence France de Developpment (AFD) to development projects across Nigeria have been well documented. These projects are making a significant difference in communities across Nigeria.

“We welcome the collaboration of Campus France with Nigerian tertiary institutions. This is expanding the scope of Nigeria-France relations into the education sector and improving people – people contact especially among young Nigerian and French citizens,” the President noted.