During a high-level meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the iconic Palais des L’Élysée, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu underscored Nigeria’s commitment to fostering stronger international cooperation in vital sectors such as food security, solid minerals, energy, education, and defense. The meeting marked a significant milestone in the growing partnership between the two nations.
At a joint press conference following their talks, President Tinubu outlined Nigeria’s vast, yet underutilized potential in agriculture and other sectors, calling on global investors, particularly from France, to take advantage of the country’s welcoming investment climate.
“We have abundant opportunities in Nigeria, especially in food security,” President Tinubu stated. “While the French-Nigeria Business Forum has been doing commendable work, there is still much more to be done. We must invest in each other’s future. Nigeria is ready for business, and we invite French enterprises to invest in our growing economy.”
Highlighting the importance of food security, President Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s growing financial sector, which is evolving into a robust platform for foreign investment. He noted that efforts are underway to create conducive conditions for international partnerships, particularly in agriculture.
“Nigeria’s financial sector is rapidly developing, and we are creating an environment that attracts French investors, especially in areas crucial to our food security. It is our duty to provide the private sector with the tools to invest, and we are making significant progress,” the President added.
He stressed that the Nigerian government is committed to creating stability and fostering an economic environment that can better serve the country’s citizens. “We are working hard to reposition Nigeria’s economy to attract Foreign Direct Investment that will have a direct positive impact on the lives of our people,” President Tinubu said. “Nigeria is a country of possibilities, with a youthful, educated population eager to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation.”
President Tinubu also called for expanded collaboration in developing Nigeria’s youth, urging the French government to provide training and development programs to further empower the country’s young people. “Our youth are our greatest asset. We need training opportunities that will help them harness their potential and contribute meaningfully to the economy,” he explained.
On the subject of solid minerals, President Tinubu encouraged France to take a more active role in de-risking the investment landscape in Nigeria’s mining sector, which is rich in untapped resources. “Nigeria is ready to strengthen its partnership with France in the solid minerals sector, and we look forward to deeper cooperation in this area,” he added.
In addressing food security, President Tinubu poignantly highlighted the urgency of ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry. He stressed that a well-nourished child is far more likely to succeed in school, which is key to Nigeria’s long-term development. “No child in the 21st century should go hungry,” he said. “If an African child is given a glass of milk in the classroom, they will be motivated to stay and learn. Education and nutrition go hand in hand, and the better educated our children are, the brighter our future.”
Security concerns were also on the agenda. President Tinubu emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling terrorism and other security challenges. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work alongside France in counterterrorism efforts and to address the complex issues surrounding migration.
“Nigeria is committed to partnering with France to tackle the security challenges facing both our nations. We must work together to stem the tide of terrorism and migration,” he stated.
Additionally, President Tinubu underscored the vast potential of Nigeria’s blue economy, especially in fisheries. He invited French investors to explore the opportunities in this sector, particularly in light of Nigeria’s growing expertise in harnessing the resources of the Atlantic Ocean.
“In Lagos, we have successfully managed to tame the Atlantic Ocean, and fisheries are an area of major investment potential,” he explained. “Nigeria is open for business, and we aim to make it easy for foreign investors to come in and out of the country.”
In response, President Macron expressed his confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, acknowledging the significant progress Nigeria has made in economic and political transformation. “This visit is a milestone in the relationship between France and Nigeria,” President Macron said. “We are committed to strengthening our partnership, particularly in creative industries and youth development. We are confident that under your leadership, Nigeria will continue to grow as a beacon of opportunity in Africa.”
President Macron also reiterated France’s commitment to increasing investments in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, with a memorandum of understanding set to be signed during the visit. The French President praised President Tinubu’s vision and leadership, emphasizing the importance of working together to address global challenges.
The visit was marked by a ceremonial welcome at Hotel Les Invalides, followed by a formal reception at the Palais des L’Élysée, where President Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu were warmly received by President Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron.
This diplomatic exchange marks the beginning of what both leaders hope will be a new chapter in the relationship between France and Nigeria, with a focus
