President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to France from November 27-29, 2024, aimed to enhance diplomatic relations and expand economic cooperation between Nigeria and France. While the visit yielded significant agreements, it also sparked debate in Nigeria over France’s historical role in Africa and its influence on Nigerian affairs.
Critics have raised concerns about Tinubu’s frequent engagements with France, citing the country’s exploitative colonial and neo-colonial policies that have long hindered Africa’s economic independence. Many fear that Nigeria could become entangled in unequal agreements, reinforcing its role as a primary exporter of raw materials while remaining dependent on imported manufactured goods.
France’s Legacy in Africa: A Cause for Concern?
France has maintained deep economic and military ties with its former African colonies, a relationship often referred to as Françafrique. This system, built on defense and economic cooperation pacts, historically ensured that France retained a dominant role in African politics and economies.
Until recently, France maintained military bases across 23 African countries, often propping up authoritarian regimes under the pretense of security agreements. The recent expulsions of French forces from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, alongside demands from Côte d’Ivoire, Chad, and Senegal for military withdrawals, signal a growing rejection of French influence in West Africa.
Economically, France’s agreements with Francophone African nations secured monopoly access to their resources. These countries were required to deposit their foreign reserves with the French Treasury, limiting their financial autonomy. France also controlled strategic mineral exports and trade agreements, often to the detriment of African economies.
Nigeria, though never a French colony, has historically had strained relations with France. During Nigeria’s civil war, France openly supported Biafra’s secession, straining diplomatic ties. Additionally, Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its trade relations with Europe in the 1960s were met with French opposition.
Despite this fraught history, President Tinubu’s visit sought to reset relations, prioritizing economic cooperation over historical grievances.
Strengthening Economic Cooperation
French President Emmanuel Macron has taken steps to redefine France’s engagement with Africa, aiming for more balanced partnerships. In 2018, he visited Nigeria, launching a French-Nigerian investment club to foster business ties. By 2021, Nigeria accounted for 20% of France’s trade with Sub-Saharan Africa, making it a key partner.
The 2024 state visit continued this momentum, resulting in agreements to expand trade and investment in agriculture, energy, solid minerals, and the blue economy.
Some key agreements include:
- Solid Minerals Development – France and Nigeria agreed to collaborate on mining critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, essential for clean energy technologies.
- Sustainable Mining – France pledged to support environmentally friendly mining practices, including the remediation of over 2,000 abandoned mining pits in Nigeria.
- Investment in Agriculture and Food Security – France committed over €300 million in financial and technical aid to support agricultural programs in Nigeria.
- Technology and Education Partnerships – Both countries agreed to collaborate on research, training, and student exchange programs to boost knowledge transfer.
Additionally, Nigeria’s banking sector benefited from the strengthened ties, with leading banks like Access Bank, UBA, and Zenith Bank establishing a presence in Paris for the first time.
According to the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, trade between Nigeria and France grew significantly in 2024, with Nigeria’s exports to France surpassing ₦3.9 trillion ($2.4 billion). This development positioned France as Nigeria’s top export destination, surpassing Spain and the Netherlands.
Balancing Foreign Policy and Economic Interests
Nigeria faces significant economic and security challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and regional instability. To address these issues, the country must prioritize economic growth, infrastructure development, and job creation. Strengthening partnerships with global economic powers, including France, is a strategic move to achieve these goals.
However, critics warn that Nigeria must remain cautious in its dealings with France, ensuring that agreements are mutually beneficial rather than exploitative. Given France’s complex history in Africa, Nigeria should avoid falling into the same economic dependency that has kept Francophone African nations under French control.
At the same time, Nigeria’s foreign policy should remain independent of the actions of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s military governments, which have shifted alliances toward Russia. While these countries distance themselves from France, Nigeria must focus on its long-term economic and security interests without being swayed by geopolitical shifts.
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s visit to France highlights Nigeria’s growing economic ties with the European nation. While historical tensions continue to cast doubt on France’s role in Africa, the agreements signed during the visit present opportunities for Nigeria’s economic development.
To maximize the benefits of this partnership, Nigeria must:
- Ensure transparency in agreements to prevent exploitative trade deals.
- Maintain a balanced foreign policy, engaging with both Western and non-Western economic partners.
- Leverage French investment to develop local industries and reduce reliance on raw material exports.
As Nigeria navigates its complex relationship with France, it must prioritize national interests while ensuring that all bilateral agreements promote sustainable economic growth.
