Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on Tuesday, stated the readiness of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to strengthen its relationship with France to tackle insecurity.
He said a relationship with France is critical in tackling the menace of terrorism, banditry and other criminalities in the country.
He made this known in Abuja when he received the members of the French Parliament and members of the Defence Commission led by Gassilloud Thomas at the Ship House, Abuja.
While commenting on the existing relationship between the two countries, the Minister said the relationships need to be strengthened in the area of military equipment, training and further cooperation.
The Minister added that since his assumption of office as the Honourable Minister of Defence, he has had three engagements with France in the area of military cooperation and this shows the good relationship we have with France.
“I believe the French Government can support Nigeria with equipment to fight insecurity and insurgency. You are aware Nigeria has a huge population with great economic potential and this can help the economies to stabilize,” he said.
He also commended the French Parliament’s relationship with the Nigerian Parliament saying that such cooperation would boost the fight against insecurity.
Earlier, the head of the Parliament, Mr Gassiloud Thomas commended the Minister for the quality and robust way he has been handling security challenges in the country.
He said, “The role you are playing to strengthen the relationship is highly appreciated and we will continue to support this present government in order to curb insecurity. This relationship is very important because Nigeria has extraordinary potential and the role it is is playing in regional security and because Nigeria has one of the most efficient militaries.”
