Tinubu hails outcomes of France-Nigeria Business Council meeting, says partnership now in execution phase

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the outcomes of the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council Meeting held at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, describing the development as a sign that both countries are moving from dialogue to implementation.

Tinubu stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the President, the growing economic ties between Nigeria and France now carry “real economic weight” and should translate into jobs, industries, infrastructure and shared prosperity.

He noted that trade between both countries reached $4.7 billion in 2025, with Nigeria remaining 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, France’s Minister Delegate, Nicolas Forissier, as well as leading Nigerian and French business executives.

Tinubu commended the Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, for convening what he described as a productive session involving major private sector players from both countries.

The President also acknowledged the participation of prominent business 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 him, their participation reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and long-term competitiveness.

Tinubu particularly welcomed the signing of an agreement between Accor and Shoreline Group for Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, describing it as a major boost for the country’s hospitality, tourism and investment sectors.

“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.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the business environment, supporting credible investors and deepening 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,” he added.