Hyacinth Chinweuba
NIGERIA and Italy have signed an agreement on intelligence sharing, capacity building and provision of logistics to enhance the operations of the Nigeria Police.
Garba Shehu Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity disclosed the arrangement.
He said the signing of agreement was witnessed by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, in the State House during a bilateral meeting between the two countries.
The meeting covered issues on energy, security, agriculture, immigration, human and drug trafficking, infrastructure and education.
“The agreement on enhancing cooperation between the Nigerian and Italian Police was signed by the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase and the Italian National Police Chief, Alessandro Pansa,” Shehu said.
Shehu added that President Buhari was impressed with the relationship between Nigeria and Italy over the years, especially in the areas of security, construction, oil and gas and the exploration of solid minerals.
“I am impressed by the resilience and commitment of the Italian business to Nigeria’s development shown by the Italian construction companies and companies in the oil sector,” he is quoted.
Recently, an Italian oil company, Eni, announced it was investing US$4 billion in the economy in the next three years despite downward spiral of oil prices.
The Italian Prime Minister reaffirmed the support of his country to Nigeria in the ongoing fight against corruption and terrorism.
He also encouraged Italian companies to invest more in sectors that will enable growth and create jobs for Nigerians like power, agriculture and solid minerals.