France has affirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria in addressing human trafficking and illegal migration.
Christophe Leonzi, the French ambassador responsible for migration at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, conveyed this during a visit to Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, in Abuja.
Leonzi emphasized the need for regular dialogue between Nigeria and France, particularly in combating illegal migration and human trafficking. He highlighted the importance of enhanced cooperation in various aspects to address these challenges more effectively.
Leonzi acknowledged Nigeria as a significant partner in this effort and stressed the importance of fortified borders and advanced technology to combat these issues.
In response, Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with France, acknowledging the value of development cooperation between the two countries.
He emphasized the importance of regular meetings and discussions to share and address challenges, citing progress in reducing irregular migration to countries like Italy and the UK through collaborative efforts.
Tunji-Ojo stressed the need for proactive measures in addressing illegal migration rather than reactive approaches, emphasizing the benefits of investing in proactive strategies to tackle these issues effectively.