…Pushes for deeper economic cooperation
By Seun Ibiyemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the outcomes of the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council Meeting held at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, describing the engagements as a sign that both countries are shifting from diplomatic dialogue to concrete economic delivery.
This was stated in a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Speaking after the meeting, President Tinubu said the growing trade and investment relationship between Nigeria and France must now translate into jobs, industrial growth, infrastructure development and broader economic prosperity.
According to the President, trade between Nigeria and France reached $4.7 billion in 2025, while Nigeria remains the leading destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa.
The meeting was attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, alongside France’s Minister Delegate, Nicolas Forissier, as business leaders from both countries reviewed ongoing projects and pledged to deepen collaboration.
President Tinubu commended the Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig Imoukhuede, for convening what he described as a productive session involving key private-sector stakeholders from both nations.
Among the business leaders present at the summit were Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu, Wale Tinubu, Kola Karim, Kashim Bukar, Patrick Pouyanné and Rodolphe Saadé.
The President noted that their participation reflected increasing investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms and long-term competitiveness.
Tinubu also welcomed the partnership agreement between Accor and Shoreline Group to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, describing the development as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s hospitality, tourism and investment potential.
“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,” the President said.
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He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the business environment, supporting credible investors and sustaining reforms aimed at making Nigeria a more stable, productive and competitive economy.
“The message from the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi is that Nigeria is ready, France is engaged, and the private sector in both countries is moving forward.
The next chapter of Africa-Europe relations will be written in factories, hotels, ports, energy projects, technology platforms, farms, jobs and new value chains,” Tinubu added.
