TheCable

Christophe Leonzi, France ambassador for migration at the ministry of Europe and foreign affairs, has solicited partnership with Nigeria to tackle illegal migration and human trafficking.

Leonzi spoke on Monday when he paid a courtesy visit to Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, in Abuja.

He said Nigeria and France already have a relationship, adding that it is crucial to strengthen the existing partnership.

“We will like to establish more regular dialogue between Nigeria and France, and the two ministries especially in area of illegal migration and how to tackle it headlong,” NAN quoted Leonzi as saying.

“Another area that calls for worry is in the area of human trafficking.

“It will be of immense benefit to both countries if we can cooperate more efficiently in different aspects to stem the tide.”

The ambassador said “Nigeria is a strong partner in this regard, no doubt,” adding that it is important to strengthen border security and management.

“If the borders are not porous and the necessary cutting-edge technology, aside human presence, are in place, no doubt it will go a long way to tackle the ugly trend to a reasonable level,” he added.

“A good border management brings about certain level of security of a country but a porous border usually brings about vulnerability of a country, especially in terms of security of that country.”

Tunji-Ojo said the partnership between both countries has been beneficial to Nigeria through the years.

“The stronger the relationship, the better it is for both countries,” he said.

“In terms of meeting our goals, targets and of course taking us from where we were to where we are now, I believe that more of this programme will take us to where we actually want to be.

“Regular meetings and visits of this nature are very important for both countries, because when you do not share problems, when you do not talk to share problems, solutions will always be a mirage.

“For instance, long before now, Nigerians going to Italy was a big problem, but today, I know building on our interactions, it is a different ball game altogether and it will be difficult for any irregular immigrant from Nigeria to stay in Italy.

“This is because if we get you and we identify you, our immigration officer stationed solely in Italy for that purpose would ensure that bringing that person back becomes easier.

“I think in UK too, just two weeks ago, our team just came back from there for our biannual meeting that is of mutual benefit to both countries, especially in the area of irregular migration.

“With this development, we are beginning to see change of status in terms of illegal migration between the two countries.

“So, I align myself 100 per cent with your proposal, I think it’s one that will help us to be more proactive than being reactive.

“So, it means the more we invest our energy on being proactive, the better it is for us.”