Boko Haram: France Collaborated with Nigeria to Ensure Regional Stability, Says Envoy

Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto
The  Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Mr. Denys Gauer, on Thursday said the emergence of Boko Haram terrorist group played an important role in strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and France.

The envoy made the remark yesterday, when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal at the Government House, Sokoto.

Gauer noted that the relationship between the two countries has improved greatly in the last couple of years.

“We were good friends in the past, but the outbreak of the Boko Haram conflict has brought our two countries closer.

“We understood the need to present a united front in order to enhance regional stability and improve global peace.

“It may interest you to note that Nigeria is our biggest trading partner in Africa. Your country is very important in global politics and we are encouraging our companies to come here to invest.

“We have visible presence in the South of Nigeria and Abuja, but very minimal visibility in the North. So I’m here in Sokoto, a very historical city and state, to listen to you and explore how best we can work together for the progress of our people,” the envoy stated.

Responding, Tambuwal commended the efforts of the French government in bringing together Nigeria’s neighbours to establish the multinational joint task force

According to him, the move had gone a long way in ensuring a coordinated onslaught against Boko Haram.

The governor to this end, urged the Ambassador to expand French investment to Sokoto, saying the state has abundant opportunity in agriculture and mining.

“We are willing and ready to work closely with your investors to develop our agricultural and mining sectors.

“We intend to make use of French technology in the preservation of onions. We also believe that we have enough tomato, wheat and sesame for French market.

“Sokoto is calm and peaceful, we have very accommodating populace and I want to assure you that should you decide to invest here, the return on your investment will be positive,” he averred.