Tinubu Welcomes Outcomes of France-Nigeria Business Council Meeting at Africa Forward Summit
Tinubu Welcomes Outcomes of France-Nigeria Business Council Meeting at Africa Forward Summit
Tinubu Welcomes Outcomes of France-Nigeria Business Council Meeting at Africa Forward Summit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the outcomes of the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council Meeting held during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, describing the engagements as a major step toward deepening economic cooperation between both countries.
According to the President, the meeting demonstrated that Nigeria and France are moving “from dialogue to delivery” as both nations seek to strengthen trade, investment, and industrial partnerships.
Trade between Nigeria and France reportedly reached $4.7 billion in 2025, with Nigeria remaining the leading destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa.
President Tinubu said the growing economic relationship must now translate into more industries, jobs, infrastructure development, and shared prosperity for citizens of both countries.
The meeting was attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, and France’s Minister Delegate, Nicolas Forissier, alongside leading business executives from both nations.
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 stakeholders.
The President also acknowledged the participation of prominent Nigerian business leaders including Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu, Wale Tinubu, Kola Karim and Kashim Bukar.
French business representatives at the meeting included Patrick Pouyanné and Rodolphe Saadé, alongside representatives of TotalEnergies, CMA CGM, Danone and Accor.
President Tinubu particularly welcomed the signing of an agreement between Accor and Shoreline Group for the establishment of Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’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,” the President stated.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the business environment through economic reforms aimed at making Nigeria a more stable, productive, and competitive economy.
According to Tinubu, the Africa Forward Summit reflects a growing shift in Africa-Europe relations toward practical economic cooperation focused on industries, technology, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and job creation.
Tinubu Welcomes Outcomes of France-Nigeria Business Council Meeting at Africa Forward Summit
