By Francesca Hangeior
France has expressed its commitment to strengthening existing relations with Nigeria, especially in tackling illegal migration and human trafficking.
France’s Ambassador of Migration at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr Christophe Leonzi, made this known when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Monday in Abuja.
“We will like to establish more regular dialogue between Nigeria and France and the two ministries, especially in area of illegal migration and how to tackle it headlong.
“Another area that calls for worry is in the area of human trafficking.
“It will be of immense benefit to both countries if we can cooperate more efficiently in different aspects to stem the tide,” the envoy added.
He said that though the two countries have been cooperating in that area, there was need to delve more into the already existing cooperation.
“Nigeria is a strong partner in this regard, no doubt,” Leonzi said, adding that the cooperation should be reinforced in the area of border security and management.
“If the borders are not porous and the necessary cutting-edge technology, aside from human presence, are in place, no doubt it will go a long way to tackle the ugly trend to a reasonable level.
“A good border management brings about certain level of security of a country, but a porous border usually brings about vulnerability of a country, especially in terms of security of that country,“ the envoy added.
In his remarks, Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria would continue to strengthen its relations with France, to make it better and stronger.
“The stronger the relationship, the better it is for both countries,” the minister said.