President Bola Tinubu on Thursday reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with France in critical sectors, including food security, energy, solid minerals, education, and defence. Speaking at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des L’Élysée in Paris, Tinubu urged international investors to seize opportunities in Nigeria’s welcoming investment climate.
Highlighting Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, Tinubu called for more investments to bolster food security and emphasized the role of the nation’s flourishing financial sector as a facilitator for foreign direct investments, particularly from France. “We are working on stability and creating opportunities for investment in Nigeria’s economy for French nationals, especially in food security,” Tinubu said.
The President assured investors of Nigeria’s readiness to accommodate foreign capital, pointing to the country’s youthful, educated population as a key asset for entrepreneurial and developmental growth. He also called for French assistance in training Nigerian youths and de-risking opportunities in solid minerals to deepen bilateral relationships.
Addressing the challenge of food insecurity, Tinubu noted, “A starved nation will not care about weather or environment, and in the 21st Century no child should go to bed hungry.” He proposed integrating nutritional support into education, highlighting its potential to boost school attendance and learning outcomes.
Tinubu also underscored the importance of collective efforts in tackling security challenges, particularly terrorism and migration. He welcomed France’s partnership in strengthening Nigeria’s blue economy, emphasizing opportunities in fisheries and marine investments.
President Macron lauded Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to transformative policies, pledging France’s support for Nigeria’s economic and humanitarian goals. Macron also emphasized collaboration in creative industries and youth-focused initiatives, acknowledging Nigeria’s regional leadership within ECOWAS.
Macron expressed confidence in the shared vision for progress, stating, “You are the great leader of a great country in Africa. We appreciate your visionary leadership and energy in transforming the economy of your country.”
The visit was marked by the signing of an agreement to boost investments in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, further consolidating bilateral ties. Earlier, Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu were accorded full state honors at Hotel Les Invalides and Palais des L’Élysée by President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron.
