Tinubu hails France-Nigeria Business Council outcomes, says partnership shifting to economic action
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the outcomes of the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council Meeting held during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, describing the developments as evidence that Nigeria and France are transitioning from diplomatic conversations to concrete economic action.
According to the President, the growing economic relationship between both nations has gained significant momentum, with bilateral trade reaching $4.7 billion in 2025. He noted that Nigeria remains the leading destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa, stressing that the partnership must now deliver tangible benefits such as jobs, industrial growth, infrastructure development, and shared prosperity.
The meeting was attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, alongside France’s Minister Delegate, Nicolas Forissier. Business leaders from both countries also presented updates on ongoing projects and reaffirmed commitments to deepen economic collaboration.
President Tinubu commended the Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, for organising what he described as a productive engagement that united major private-sector stakeholders from Nigeria and France.
He also acknowledged the participation of prominent business figures and corporate leaders including Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu, Wale Tinubu, Kola Karim, Kashim Bukar, Patrick Pouyanné of TotalEnergies, Rodolphe Saadé of CMA CGM, as well as representatives of Danone and Accor. According to the President, their presence demonstrates increasing confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms and long-term investment potential.
Tinubu particularly welcomed the agreement signed between Accor and Shoreline Group to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform. He described the deal as a strong endorsement of the country’s hospitality, tourism, and investment sectors.
“This is the kind of partnership Nigeria is prepared for. We welcome investment that drives production, creates jobs, and strengthens the economy. Nigeria and France are moving beyond goodwill into a new era of serious economic execution,” the President said.
He further assured investors that his administration remains committed to improving the business environment, supporting credible investments, and implementing reforms aimed at making Nigeria a more stable, productive, and globally competitive economy.
President Tinubu added that the message emerging from the Africa Forward Summit is clear: Nigeria is ready for deeper economic cooperation, France is committed, and the private sectors of both countries are prepared to move forward together.
He noted that the future of Africa-Europe relations will increasingly be shaped by investments in factories, ports, hotels, energy, technology, agriculture, jobs, and emerging value chains.
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