French Alliance Promises Economic Benefits for Nigeria – Gov. AbdulRazaq

The Kwara State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has assured Nigerians that the bilateral alliance between Nigeria and France promises significant economic benefits for the country.

AbdulRazaq who led other Governors in the entourage of President Bola Tinubu on his state visit to President Emmanuel Macron of France, said this during a session in the Nigerian-France Business Council at the Élysée Palace on Thursday.

While describing the session as a productive meeting, he said that it was focused on strengthening Nigeria’s business, trade, and economic ties with the French while exploring new ground for cooperation of the two countries.

He said, “it was a productive session that focused on strengthening Nigeria’s business, trade, and economic ties with France while exploring new avenues for cooperation between the two nations.”

AbdulRazaq added that the economic Council which was established in 2021 by President Macron, is playing a crucial role in bringing together major companies from Nigeria and France.

He further noted that the alliance promises significant economic benefits for Nigeria in the near future, paving the way for enhanced partnerships and sustained cooperation between the two countries.

“The council has continued to strengthen business ties, and President Tinubu expects significant economic benefits to emerge in the near future, paving the way for enhanced partnerships and sustained cooperation between Nigeria and France,” he said.

Recall that on Wednesday, November 27, President Tinubu left Nigeria for Paris for a three-day state visit.

Nigeria is one of France’s top trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. And France was among Nigeria’s top five export destinations in the last quarter of 2023, accounting for a 6% share, according to the National Bureau of Statistics NBS.

In August, Minister Delegate in charge of French foreign trade, Olivier Becht, during an economic summit between France and Nigeria said, “Nigeria is a key partner for France”, its “first commercial partner in sub-Saharan Africa” and “around a hundred French companies” are present there which employ “more than 10,000 people in the country”.

Hauwa Abu