President Bola Tinubu and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, have signed two key agreements aimed at fostering a robust partnership between Nigeria and France, focusing on critical infrastructure development and ensuring long-term agricultural and food security sustainability.
The agreements were formalized at an economic forum held at the Palais des Elysée in Paris, during President Tinubu’s state visit to France.
The event was attended by business leaders, captains of industry, governors, and top government officials from both countries. Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and Mr. Armand signed the Letter of Intent.
According to the signed documents, the two countries pledged to collaborate on the investment and development of critical infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, agricultural value chains, renewable energy, and human capital development.
This cooperation will be supported by diverse financial and technical assistance programs, amounting to over 300 million Euros, which will be distributed across all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
The agreements also highlight the commitment to fostering a strategic partnership in project implementation, enhancing mutual trade, and eliminating fiscal barriers while safeguarding labor rights.
In a related development, Mr. Edun and the CEO of the French Development Agency (AFD), Mr. Remi Rioux, signed another Letter of Intent aimed at supporting Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
This initiative is designed to stimulate and strengthen the Nigerian economy.
The AFD reaffirmed its commitment to financing sustainable projects in urban infrastructure, transportation networks, housing, education—particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)—agriculture, food security, and healthcare.
The AFD also committed to backing Nigeria’s energy access and transition goals, sustainable agriculture, and food security through the improvement of agro-logistic hubs.
Furthermore, the AFD pledged to support Nigeria’s real sector by providing capital for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in high-impact sectors.
The Nigerian government, for its part, assured that it would ensure the efficient and timely implementation of AFD-funded projects.During the visit, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Zenith Bank also inaugurated operations in Paris, signaling a growing financial partnership between the two nations.
At a State Dinner hosted by the French government at the Palais des Elysée, President Tinubu reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to economic reforms that would improve the country’s prospects and, by extension, Africa’s economic future.
He stated: “Regarding Nigeria’s economy, as you have said, we have embarked on a very strong reform, and there is no looking back. It is in the interest of the entire continent that we don’t continue in the past. We must brace up for the future with commitment and optimism. And with the courage of our founding fathers. President Macron, all your efforts about Africa, I promise you shall not be in vain.”
President Tinubu further expressed his pride in leading Nigeria through challenging times and reiterated that stronger relations between Nigeria and France would benefit the entire African continent.
He said: “It is a good time for all of us. I cannot be prouder than I am to be President of Nigeria at this challenging time. I have people who are very clearly inspired, who are determined to change the course of Africa by changing the rot of the past, blending a future that our children and grandchildren can hold, and be open, and be proud.”
The President also commended the positive relationship with President Macron, emphasizing his interest in Africa and his commitment to the continent’s development.
He expressed confidence that Macron’s goodwill would continue to strengthen bilateral ties between France and Nigeria.
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, accompanied the President to the dinner, along with key Nigerian government officials, businessmen, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.“It is a great honour for me to be here. And it’s been a great day because you have arranged a great reception. Appreciating that you have a good knowledge of Nigeria is not enough.
Your warmth, your commitment, and your foresight in Africa are remarkable. You stirred my excitement and caught my attention as a leader. Thank you.
France went through a lot to put freedom, democracy and commitment together. Your effort is very inspiring for us to work together.
We have no choice but to build a continent that connects, resonates for its people, and cares about the people and development,” President Tinubu said.
He also thanked President Macron and his wife, Brigitte, for their hospitality during the three-day visit and for opening doors for investment and partnerships with Nigeria.
In his remarks, President Macron acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa, describing it as a “big brother” to the continent.
He praised the resilience and intellect of the Nigerian people, highlighting figures such as Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka and musician Femi Kuti as exemplars of Nigerian talent.“Nigeria is a formidable country with talented young people. Many Nigerians are exceptional in their chosen careers. You conquered military rule and took your liberty.
President Tinubu transformed the economy in Lagos, and now you are on a mission to transform the country,” Macron said.
Macron also recognized the significant presence of French investors in Nigeria, particularly in the oil, gas, construction, and food security sectors, underscoring the longstanding economic ties between the two nations.
