Tag: France

  • Senate probes allegation that Nigeria, France back Lakurawa militia to destabilise Niger

    Senate probes allegation that Nigeria, France back Lakurawa militia to destabilise Niger

    The Senate has begun a probe into allegations raised by the Head of State of Niger Republic, Brig. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilise Niger through a new militia group called Lakurawa, allegedly operating in Nigeria’s Northwest region.

    The Senate has also resolved to conduct a fact-finding visit to the areas mentioned in the allegations, particularly in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States, to verify the presence or absence of the purported Lakurawa bases.

    Consequently, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, APC, Kano North, who presided over yesterday’s plenary session, mandated the Committees on National Security and Intelligence and that of Foreign Affairs to carry out the holistic investigation and report back in four weeks.

    In the course of the investigation, the two committees will recommend diplomatic and security measures to restore and strengthen the historical ties between Nigeria and Niger by ensuring continued cooperation in security and other areas of mutual benefit.

    Resolutions of the Senate yesterday were a sequel to a motion titled “Urgent need to investigate allegations against Nigeria’s sovereignty by the Head of State of Niger Republic, Brig. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, regarding a purported collusion with France to destabilise his country.”

    The motion was sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, APC, Bauchi South.

    In his presentation, Senator Umar said that “the Senate notes with deep concern the serious and unfounded allegations made by the Head of State of Niger Republic, Brig. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria

    of colluding with France to destabilize Niger through a new militia group called Lakurawa, allegedly operating in Nigeria’s Northwest region;

    “Also notes that Brig. Gen. Tchiani also alleged plans to establish a base for Lakurawa in a forest near Gaba, Sokoto State, with operational reach extending to Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States. Additionally, he claimed that foreign military bases in Nigeria are being used to target Niger’s oil pipelines and create security threats;

    “Further notes that Nigeria and Niger Republic have shared a long-standing, cordial, and mutually beneficial relationship spanning centuries, marked by cooperation in security, trade, and cultural ties;

    “Recalls that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Niger were strained following the coup d’état of 26th July 2023, which disrupted constitutional order in Niger. As the head of ECOWAS, Nigeria insisted on the restoration of constitutional democracy. This situation had been gradually normalising before these latest unfounded accusations by the Head of State of Niger on 26th December 2024;

    Notes that in making these allegations, the Nigerien military junta wrongfully implicated certain Nigerian officials, including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai, who have been working tirelessly to ensure regional peace and stability, in line with Nigeria’s national security strategy;

    “Also notes that upon learning of these allegations, the National Security Adviser swiftly and unequivocally dismissed them as baseless by clarifying that Nigeria has never allowed a foreign military base on its soil, having previously rejected such requests from both the United States and the United Kingdom. He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with its neighbours, including Chad, Benin, and Cameroon, and emphasised the need to focus on common enemies—terrorist groups—rather than engaging in unnecessary hostilities;

    “Concerned that despite established diplomatic channels for addressing grievances, the Nigerien head of state chose to make unfounded public accusations, thereby tarnishing Nigeria’s international image and undermining its sovereignty without presenting any credible evidence;

    “Aware that the National Assembly has constitutional oversight over international treaties, as provided under Section 12 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). As such, the 10th Senate, under the leadership of the Senate President, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, will be aware if there is any treaty or agreement regarding the establishment of the alleged foreign military base or the Lakurawa militia; and

    “Notes that any attempt—whether deliberate or otherwise—to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and international standing must be condemned, particularly when such claims lack substantive proof. Therefore,

    this motion underscores the Senate’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, preserving its international reputation, and fostering peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries.”

    However, when it was time to discuss the motion, with Senators to contribute, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central, quickly intervened, stressing that the matter should not be discussed for national security and diplomatic relations, and the lawmakers agreed to his suggestion.

    Following this intervention, the prayers were not discussed.

  • Nigeria, France sign MoU to foster research, training, and student exchange in minerals sector

    Nigeria, France sign MoU to foster research, training, and student exchange in minerals sector

    Nigeria and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration in research, training, and student exchanges within the minerals sector.  

    The MoU aims to enhance the critical minerals value chain through joint projects promoting knowledge and skills transfer between Franco-Nigerian institutions.  

    The announcement was made in a statement shared on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, on Sunday.  

    The MoU was signed in France, where President Bola Tinubu is currently on an official working visit, accompanied by several members of his cabinet. Dele Alake signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr. Benjamin Gallezot, the Inter-Ministerial delegate for Critical Ores and Metals of France, signed on behalf of France.  

    “I am pleased to share that Nigeria and France have reached an agreement to develop joint projects aimed at promoting and diversifying the critical minerals value chain within the solid minerals sector of both our countries. 

    “We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes our commitment to collaborate on research, training, and student exchanges between Franco-Nigerian institutions to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer,” Alake’s X post read in part. 

    The statement further highlighted a key aspect of the MoU, which is the commitment to promoting sustainable mining practices. It includes the implementation of projects and programs aimed at reducing the environmental impact of mining, specifically targeting issues such as carbon emissions, water consumption, and climate change. 

    More insight  

    The Minister noted that the agreement also includes plans for the establishment of joint extraction and processing projects, which will be supported by co-financing from both the public and private sectors.  

    • This initiative, according to him, is designed to enhance the diversification and security of the supply of critical minerals, essential for energy projects aimed at decarbonization, thus contributing to the overall sustainability of the value chain.  
    • Alake emphasized that both Nigeria and France have committed to adopting international best practices in the execution of these projects.  
    • In pursuing this goal, the two countries aim to optimize both mineral extraction and processing, while simultaneously enhancing the well-being of local communities impacted by mining activities, the statement noted.  

    He stressed that transparency will be at the core of these efforts, ensuring that the benefits of the projects are shared fairly and that all stakeholders remain informed and engaged throughout the entire process.  

     

  • Major economic agreements signed in Tinubu’s state visit to France

    Major economic agreements signed in Tinubu’s state visit to France

    President Bola Tinubu’s recent three-day state visit to France marked a significant achievement in strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and France.

    The visit saw the formal inauguration of Zenith Bank’s operations in France and the signing of key agreements aimed at fostering long-term collaboration in critical sectors, including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and solid minerals.

    France is one of Nigeria’s key European trading partners, with French companies investing in sectors such as oil, infrastructure, and telecommunications.

    The cultural exchange between the two countries is also notable, with many Nigerians studying in France and both nations actively promoting arts and education.

    Key highlights from the visit

    1) Zenith Bank formally inaugurated its operations in France.

    2) UBA Group signed an agreement to commence operations in Paris.

    3) Letter of Intent signed between the Nigerian government and the French Development Agency (AFD) on long-term support for Nigeria’s energy access and transition, sustainable agriculture, and food security.

    4) MoU signed between the Nigerian government, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and the French government to develop joint projects focused on diversifying and promoting the critical minerals value chain in both countries

    5) Nigeria and France committed to enhancing collaboration in infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, the agricultural value chain, renewable energy, and human capital development

    UBA Group signed an agreement to commence operations in Paris

    • United Bank for Africa (UBA) signed a key agreement during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France, marking a major step in its global expansion.
    • The agreement, signed by UBA Group Chairman Tony Elumelu and French Finance Minister Antoine Armand, ensures UBA’s full banking operations in France.
    • Elumelu highlighted that this move strengthens UBA’s commitment to offering seamless banking services not only in Africa but also to French and European customers engaging with Africa.

    “Expanding into France is a natural progression, with Paris serving as our European Union hub, as we continue to bring Africa and the world together, through innovative financial solutions. Paris will join London, New York, and Dubai, as a critical component of our unique global network,” Elumelu said

    Zenith Bank formally inaugurated its operations in France

    Zenith Bank made significant strides in expanding its operations in Europe during President Tinubu’s state visit to France.

    The French market offers Zenith Bank the opportunity to deepen its international expansion, particularly in serving the growing needs of African businesses and investors in Europe.

    The bank’s inauguration of its services in France marks a notable step for the Nigerian banking giant, solidifying its footprint in one of the world’s leading financial hubs.

    Letter of Intent signed between the Nigerian and French Development Agency (AFD)

    Also on President Tinubu’s state visit to France, a Letter of Intent was signed between Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the French Development Agency (AFD) CEO, Remi Rioux.

    • The agreement focuses on long-term collaboration to support Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The partnership will facilitate funding for key areas such as infrastructure development, agriculture, food security, healthcare, and human capital development, including education in STEM fields.
    • The AFD has committed to providing over €300 million in financial and technical assistance across all Nigerian regions, focusing on energy transition, sustainable agriculture, and the improvement of agro-logistic hubs.

    The agreement further emphasizes the importance of removing fiscal barriers and ensuring efficient project implementation to enhance mutual trade between the two nations.

    Nigeria and France to foster collaboration in the solid minerals sector

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Nigeria and France to foster collaboration in the solid minerals sector.

    • Dr Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals signed for Nigeria while the Inter-Ministerial delegate for Critical Ores and Metals of the Republic of France, Mr Benjamin Gallezot, signed on behalf of France.
    • This partnership will focus on the development of critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are key to advancing clean energy technologies. The two countries will also collaborate on research, training, and student exchanges to promote knowledge transfer.
    • A critical component of the agreement is the commitment to sustainable mining activities, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of mining. The MoU includes co-financed joint extractive projects, ensuring diversification and security of critical minerals while supporting energy transition projects.

    Additionally, the partnership aims to remediate over 2,000 abandoned mining pits across Nigeria, leveraging France’s expertise in sustainable mining.

    Development of critical infrastructure and long-term support for agriculture and food security

    President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron also signed two agreements in Paris focused on critical infrastructure development, including healthcare, transportation, and agricultural value chains, as well as renewable energy and human capital development.

    • The partnership, backed by over 300 million Euros in diverse financial and technical assistance programs, will span all geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
    • Both nations have committed to enhancing mutual trade, improving cross-border services, and eliminating fiscal barriers while protecting labor rights.
    • The agreements reached during President Tinubu’s visit laid the foundation for a strong and lasting Nigeria-France collaboration, with far-reaching implications for both nations’ economic growth and development.