By By Elizabeth Ugbo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday welcomed the outcome of the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council Meeting held at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi. He said the meeting strengthened economic ties between Nigeria and France, boosted investor confidence, and advanced major business agreements. The summit brought together government officials and top business leaders to drive investment, trade, tourism, and infrastructure growth between both countries.
Trade Between Nigeria and France Reaches $4.7 Billion
President Tinubu said trade relations between Nigeria and France now carry significant economic value. He noted that trade between both nations reached $4.7 billion in 2025.
He also stated that Nigeria remains the leading destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa. According to him, both countries must now focus on delivering practical economic results.
“We are ready for investment that builds, capital that produces, and enterprise that creates jobs,” Tinubu said.
Business Leaders Commit to Stronger Collaboration
The meeting attracted several leading Nigerian and French business executives. Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, attended the session alongside France’s Minister Delegate, Nicolas Forissier.
President Tinubu praised Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede for organising a productive engagement between investors and policymakers.
Other prominent participants included:
- Aliko Dangote
- Abdul Samad Rabiu
- Tony Elumelu
- Wale Tinubu
- Kola Karim
- Kashim Bukar
- Patrick Pouyanné
- Rodolphe Saadé
Representatives from TotalEnergies, CMA CGM, Danone, and Accor also attended the summit.
Accor-Shoreline Deal Boosts Hospitality Sector
President Tinubu welcomed the partnership agreement between Accor and Shoreline Group. The deal will establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform.
He described the agreement as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s tourism, hospitality, and services sectors.
Furthermore, Tinubu said the partnership would encourage fresh investment and create employment opportunities across the country.
Tinubu Promises More Economic Reforms
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s business climate. He promised to support credible investors and continue economic reforms.
According to him, Nigeria and France are entering a new phase of practical economic cooperation.
“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.
