Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu laid the groundwork for a transformative partnership between Nigeria and France, focusing on bolstering trade, security, and investment ties. His discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted a shared vision of economic prosperity, security enhancement, and mutual growth.
President Tinubu stressed the critical role of bilateral trade in fostering sustainable development. He called for greater engagement from both nations, emphasizing that mutual investments are essential to deepening their partnership.
“The Nigerian business role is so important, and trade and investment have been integral to this partnership,” Tinubu said. “We need to do more, promote more, invest more in key areas like food security. Nigeria is creating a conducive environment for French investors, mirroring the opportunities provided to Nigerian businesses in France.”
Tinubu’s remarks come as Nigeria continues to diversify its economy, reducing reliance on oil by focusing on sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, and financial services.
Tinubu proposed a comprehensive food security program aimed at attracting private sector investment to alleviate hunger and poverty. He linked food security directly to national stability, warning that hunger fuels unrest.
“It’s the hungry population that becomes the unrestful population. We owe it to our people to create a robust food security program that encourages private sector involvement despite perceived risks,” Tinubu said.
This initiative is expected to attract international stakeholders, providing opportunities for French agribusinesses to contribute to Nigeria’s food supply chain while addressing global food security concerns.
Tinubu urged France to invest in Nigeria’s educational sector, highlighting the nation’s youthful, vibrant population eager for training and skills development.
“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,” Tinubu appealed.
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This focus on education aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic strategy to harness its demographic dividend for future prosperity, making it an attractive destination for French educational and vocational institutions.
Tinubu also encouraged French investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly in dairy and food production, proposing simple yet impactful solutions like providing daily nutritional support to school children.
“The agricultural sector holds vast potential. If we promote dairy investment and ensure African children have basic nutritional support, we will see significant educational and societal benefits,” he explained.
Moreover, Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s untapped solid mineral resources, inviting French investors to diversify their portfolios and explore opportunities in mining and mineral processing.
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism and illegal migration, calling on France to strengthen its security cooperation with Nigeria.
“Nigeria is ready to partner with France to enhance security operations and curb illegal migration. If we are not taken seriously as partners, regional challenges will persist,” Tinubu warned.
He also praised the progress in developing Nigeria’s blue economy, particularly in Lagos, where strategic efforts have successfully managed Atlantic Ocean resources. France’s ongoing support in maritime security and defence is pivotal in securing the Gulf of Guinea, a critical maritime route.
