During a two-day state visit to France, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu underscored the importance of strengthening trade, investment, and security ties with France.
In a speech at a conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Tinubu highlighted the significance of business collaboration between the two nations, calling for increased efforts in trade and investment. He affirmed that such initiatives were fundamental to enhancing the partnership between the two countries.
Tinubu said, “The Nigerian business role is so important and trade and investment has been integral to this partnership. As discussed earlier, we need to do more, promote more, invest more in very important areas, food security. No, we cannot but invest in one another’s economy. As Nigerian financial sector is evolving in France environment, thank you for creating the conducive environment for them to flourish. And we are creating the same grant for investment in Nigerian economy for the French nationality.”
He also expressed his gratitude to the French government for creating a conducive environment for the Nigerian financial sector to thrive, noting that Nigeria was offering similar opportunities for French investors.
Addressing the issue of food security in Nigeria, Tinubu proposed a food security programme aimed at encouraging private-sector investment. He emphasised that his administration was working tirelessly to stabilise the country’s security situation, making it a safer environment for potential investors.
“In the area of food security, it is the most hungry population. It’s the unrestful population. And we owe the responsibility by all of us to put together a food security program for private sector investors to come and invest with the risk, the fear that they may have. We’ve been working on stabilizing the security system in Nigeria and we are getting closer and closer,” he said.
Furthermore, the Nigerian President called on France to assist in the development of Nigeria’s educational sector, stressing the importance of education in empowering the country’s youthful population.
“We have a vibrant, educated youth population that is eager to be trained and skilled. I urge France to contribute more expertise and investment to help develop our youth and support our economic growth,” he stated.
Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s vast potential in solid minerals, inviting French investors to explore opportunities in diversifying the country’s economy.
He pointed out that they must collaborate more, especially in the agricultural sector, which has significant potential.
“The agriculture sector is a very potential, a good example. If you risk and promote investment in dairy, if an African child is given a pint of milk in a class one day, there will be no problem going to the classroom. If an African child is assured of a good sandwich in a classroom or one egg a day, there will be no fear of learning.”
Tinubu further emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism and stabilising the region, adding that both countries have a unique responsibility in the fight against terrorism. He said if Nigeria is not taken seriously as a partner, the region’s challenges will persist. Nigeria is ready to partner with France to enhance security operations and curb illegal migration.”
On Nigeria’s maritime and defence sectors, the president acknowledged the progress made in the development of the country’s blue economy, particularly in Lagos, where efforts to manage the Atlantic Ocean have been successful. He also expressed appreciation for France’s support in strengthening Nigeria’s defence capabilities.
In conclusion, President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to build a robust partnership with France across various sectors, from trade to security, and invited French businesses to explore the country’s economic potential. “Nigeria is open for business. We assure you of a free market economy,” he said.
