The president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called for strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and France to address the prevailing threat of terrorism in the West African subregion.
The President stated this on Friday, January 13, 2024, when he received the outgoing French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
In a farewell meeting with the Ambassador, President Tinubu commended her dedication to enhancing relations between France and Nigeria even as he urged the Ambassador to leverage her new role as Director for Africa in the French Foreign Ministry to advocate the urgent need to “upgrade technical cooperation” between Nigeria and France to defeat terrorism and violent extremism.
“You have been excellent in promoting bilateral relations between both countries in the areas of economy, trade, education, arts, and culture. Thank you for the hard work you have done in Nigeria and for President Macron to appoint you to a new position as Africa Director, it is a testament that you excelled in your assignment in our country.
“You will always be welcomed in Nigeria. On regional security, we want you to remind Paris at every opportunity that it is necessary to upgrade our technical cooperation in our joint efforts to defeat terrorism and counter violent extremism in the region,” he said.
In reflecting on her diplomatic tenure in Nigeria, the departing French envoy, Blatmann, underscored significant accomplishments, notably France’s substantial investments and a noteworthy surge in bilateral trade.
She highlighted France’s position as a leading foreign investor in Nigeria, contributing over $10 billion in investment stock, coupled with a remarkable 51 percent increase in bilateral trade during 2021 and 2022.
“We are also one of the biggest development partners, with over 3 billion Euros invested over the last decade by AFD and PROPARCO. AFD now operates in 26 of Nigeria’s 36 states,” she remarked.
Since her arrival in October 2021, Blatmann expressed her admiration for the country, citing the vibrant energy and creativity that have left a lasting impression on her.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s crucial role in regional security and stability, the outgoing ambassador emphasised the close collaboration between France, Nigeria, and other key partners in fostering sustainable international peace, security, and development.
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