PRESIDENCY REVEALS ISSUES BUHARI WILL DISCUSS WITH HOLLANDE DURING TRIP TO FRANCE.

President Muhammadu Buhari is set to depart Nigeria
Monday morning on a three-day state visit to France.
Top on his agenda during the trip are security,
precisely the Boko Haram insurgency, anti-corruption,
loot recovery and economic issues.
President Francois Hollande will play host to Buhari,
whose itinerary include meetings with French executive
cabinet, politicians, businessmen and the Nigerian
community.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and
Publicity, Garba Shehu told Thisday Newspaper that
Buhari would also engage his French counterpart on
how to strengthen cooperation in other areas like
culture and job creation.
“There are challenges with security in Nigeria and the
Lake Chad region. Most of the countries surrounding us
are French speaking and are also affected by the
crisis,” he said.
“This is why we are seeking the assistance of France.
We are seeking their support in the war against
terrorism in the North-east.
“We also need their support in the areas of war against
corruption and recovery of stolen funds. France is a key
player in Europe. Their support in these areas are vital.
“We are also seeking to strengthen areas of
cooperation in business and economy. You know we
have key French companies doing very well in Nigeria.
Companies like Total and Lafarge have remained very
loyal to Nigeria in spite of our challenges.
“We are also looking at strengthening existing cultural
agreement with France, particularly in the area of
teaching French language in our schools. You know
that French language is now vital in global business”,
he added.
Those expected to travel with the President are the
National Security Adviser, Babagana Mongunu and the
governors of Ogun, Jigawa and Zamfara states.
Officials of the Ministry of Trade and Investment and the
Export Promotion Council will also be on the trip.
However, businessmen invited would fund their
expenses.
Hollande has been active in the war against terrorism
in Nigeria.
Last year, he hosted a meeting of member countries of
the Lake Chad Basin Commission – Nigeria, Chad,
Cameroun and Niger – to draw up a strategy in the fight
against Boko Haram.