Nigeria and France are strengthening their mutual cooperation in the field of economy and security.
This was disclosed in Kaduna during the inauguration of the French language laboratory, financed by the French Directorate for Cooperation in Security and Defence (DCSD).
The French Defence Attaché, Colonel G Dujon, and his deputy in charge of the development of the French language learning program in the Nigerian military, Lieutenant-Colonel R Chauvancy, were received in Kaduna at the Nigerian Defence Academy by Major-General JO Ochai.
The Defence Attaché inaugurated the Academy’s new French language laboratory, financed by the French Directorate for Cooperation in Security and Defence (DCSD), during a ceremony presided over by the Commandant of the Academy. His principal staff officers, the French language teaching staff and delegation of cadets were attending.
In his speech, Major-General JO Ochai noted that the strength and importance of the existing relationship between France and Nigeria, both in the fields of economy and security.
He went on to stress that for the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, to learn French language is a key leverage to further develop the interoperability with its French-speaking neighbours and to strengthen its integration within international or regional organizations where French is used as an official language.
Reacting, Colonel Dujon reaffirmed France’s great interest in the most powerful country in West Africa that is Nigeria, and reaffirmed the availability of France to support the development of Nigerian strategic and operational capability.
He said his commitment to support the development of a robust French language teaching structure within the NDA and beyond, enhancing the existing program through the creation of new partnerships, for the benefit of all the AFN
Penultimate week, House of Representatives has called for an improvement in the existing military and diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and France, with a view to enhancing the fight against terrorism, oil theft and legislative diplomacy via the parliamentary friendship groups.
The chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, stated this when he received a delegation from the French Parliament on behalf of the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen at the National Assembly on Monday.
Hon Benson raised questions regarding possible ways of collaboration with France in areas of security through the provision of military hardware, defence industrial capacity, fight against oil theft among others.
He noted there was the need for France to help Nigeria develop local capacity in terms of security as well as collaborate with Nigeria to address crude oil theft.
The lawmaker also sought the cooperation of the French government to support the Nigerian military to balance the gender issue in the system.
Recently, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, 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.
