President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says the growing economic relationship between Nigeria and France, with bilateral trade reaching $4.7 billion in 2025 and Nigeria retaining its position as the leading destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa, must now translate into expanded job creation, industrial growth, infrastructure development, and shared prosperity for both countries.
The President stated this while welcoming the outcomes of the 10th France–Nigeria Business Council Meeting held on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, describing the development as a clear indication that Nigeria and France are moving from dialogue to tangible economic delivery.
The meeting, which was also attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, and France’s Minister Delegate, Nicolas Forissier, saw leading Nigerian and French businesses provide updates on key projects and commit to further expanding collaboration between both countries.
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President Tinubu commended the Chairman of the France–Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, for convening a productive session that brought together leading Nigerian and French private-sector players.
The President also acknowledged the participation of Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu, Wale Tinubu, Kola Karim, Kashim Bukar, Patrick Pouyanné of TotalEnergies, Rodolphe Saadé of CMA CGM, Danone, Accor, and other partners, whose presence reflects increasing confidence in Nigeria’s reform direction and long-term competitiveness.
President Tinubu particularly welcomed the signing between Accor and Shoreline Group for Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, describing it as a major vote of confidence in Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism, services and investment future.
“This is the partnership Nigeria is ready for. We are ready for investment that builds, capital that produces, and enterprise that creates jobs. Nigeria and France are no longer simply exchanging goodwill. We are opening a new chapter of serious economic execution.”
President Tinubu further affirmed that his administration will continue to strengthen the business environment, support credible investors, and deepen reforms to make Nigeria a more stable, productive, and competitive economy.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the key message from the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi underscored Nigeria’s readiness for deeper economic cooperation, France’s growing engagement, and the commitment of the private sector in both countries to advancing strategic partnerships and investment opportunities.
“The next chapter of Africa–Europe relations will be written in factories, hotels, ports, energy projects, technology platforms, farms, jobs and new value chains.” Onanuga added.
