Boko Haram war: president Buhari assures EU of human rights protection.

President Muhammadu Buhari speaks during a plenary assembly at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France...yesterday.

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Strasbourg, France, assured the European Union (EU) that his administration will protect the fundamental human rights of persons during military operations against Boko Haram.

Addressing a special session of the parliament, the President said his government shared the EU’s commitment to peace and security, respect for human rights, democracy and good governance, equality and tolerance, as ways of developing prosperous and strong societies.

 In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari said: “For our part, we have updated our rules of engagement in fighting terrorism and pay close attention during operations to the treatment of captured terrorists, civilians caught up in the conflict and in general, safeguarding property.

“Our aim is to use minimum force in our fight against terrorists.”

He also spoke of Nigeria’s concerns about the Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU, African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP), endorsed by the Economic Community of West African States.

He said Nigeria was yet to sign the agreement because pertinent technical issues raised by the 


Federal Government have not been addressed.

“Giving due consideration to the mismatch of the two regions (Europe-ECOWAS) in terms of technology and manufacturing experience, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and Associated Trade Unions raised concerns about the negative impact of the agreement on Nigeria’s industrialisation programme.

“Nigeria is working towards addressing its own side of the issues and I, therefore, urge our EU partners to also address our own concerns to allow for an Economic Partnership Agreement that is mutually beneficial and can contribute to the prosperity of our people, in the context of our shared values and interest at promoting cordial bilateral trade relations.”

The President also sought greater support from the EU for Nigeria’s efforts to curb the theft of crude oil and corruption in its oil and gas sector.

“Nigeria is facing the challenges of oil-theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta as well as recovery of illicit funds.   In this regard, Nigeria solicits the cooperation of the European Parliament to support efforts aimed at stemming these vices.

“Our attempt to restore security, curb corruption and fight crime will result not only in improving social stability in Nigeria, but will re-open doors for full economic relations with Europe and the rest of the world.

“Those who wish to invest in our country have immense opportunities and we intend to guarantee the security of people and investments brought to Nigeria,” the President said.

He assured the parliament that Nigeria would collaborate with the EU to address illegal migration 

to Europe.

“Our government is making concerted efforts to address the push-factor that propel migration, especially from Nigeria, as both destination and transit country.

“In this year’s budget, the government has provided for over 500,000 graduate employment in the teaching profession alone. We are collaborating with the states and local governments to strengthen skills acquisition centres, to train the youth in various vocational skills, so they can be self-employed, and eventually, become employers of labour.

“We are also making efforts to diversify the economy, giving impetus to agriculture and solid minerals exploitation, to create wealth and employments.

“Nigeria welcomes the outcome of the Valletta EU-Africa Summit on Migration, including the launching of 1.8 billion Euros Emergency Trust Fund to address the causes of migration from Africa to Europe.