President Muhammadu Buhari has commended French President Emmanuel Macron for improving business opportunities between Nigerians and French nationals.
President Buhari stated at the Palais Elysee (Official Residence of the President of the French Republic) that President Macron’s visit to Nigeria in 2018 sparked renewed interest in entrepreneurship beyond national borders, with more businesses expanding their reach and scope in France, particularly with the establishment of the French Nigeria Investment Club.
The President expressed delight that France shares his aim of strengthening ties in health, education, and security, and he praised the country for its strong commitment to peace and security in the Sahel and Lake Chad region.
He also discussed how irregular migration and human trafficking are causing concern in both countries, adding that transnational criminal networks working in Africa and Europe are exploiting the vulnerable in the most inhumane manner.
According to him, he was committed to working with the relevant French authorities to dismantle these networks.
To this, President Macron said that there is a growing need for a greater partnership on West Coast security, taking into account challenges in the Sahel.
President Buhari also acknowledged the French government’s role in mitigating the COVID-19 challenges since 2020, donating 10 million doses of vaccinations to Africa, with more than 500,000 supplied to Nigeria.
Both leaders discussed a need for a successful Libyan election in restoring stability, regional intelligence sharing, West Africa’s unified monetary policy, and the situation in Chad and Mali.
Reporting by Bello Wakili; Editing by Muzha Kucha