President Hollande also said that France intended to increase the visibility of its investors in Nigeria. France has concluded arrangements to invest 130 million Euro in the development of infrastructure in Nigeria for rebuilding of roads, the provision of electricity, and increased water access.
A meeting between the French President François Hollande and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari took place in the Élysée Palace in Paris. It was learned that France pledged assistance for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) with intelligence gathering and military equipment to combat terrorism in Nigeria and the West African region.
The French president expressed concern of the increase in violence and insecurity in West Africa.
“We provide all of the support to the countries in the region which are affected by this cult and in Nigeria, we want to provide support and solidarity,” President Hollande said. He commended President Buhari for his recent actions such as the movement of the military command center to Maiduguri, which he said had helped tremendously in weakening the insurgents.
France last year hosted a Regional Summit on Security in Paris, which brought together the neighboring countries to chart the way forward.
President Hollande also said that France intended to increase the visibility of its investors in Nigeria. France has concluded arrangements to invest 130 million Euro in the development of infrastructure in Nigeria for rebuilding of roads, the provision of electricity, and increased water access.
President Buhari noted that with commitment from France he would seek support from members of the G7. President Buhari said, “we have to depend on France and the other G7 countries for support to fight piracy.”
President Buhari thanked the French President for his administration’s intention to assist Nigeria. He expressed the readiness of his administration to partner with France for the overall development of both countries.