Tinubu And Macron Discuss Boosting France-Nigeria Investment In Energy, Agriculture, And Education

President Tinubu on Thursday urged for increased investments in key sectors like food security, solid minerals, energy, and education, during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des L'Élysée in Paris.

The Nigerian president emphasized the country's readiness to enhance cooperation in these areas, underscoring the untapped potential of Nigeria's agricultural sector.

He also encouraged international investors to take advantage of the country's friendly investment opportunities, as per the president's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga's statement shared on X.

"The French-Nigeria Business Forum is doing a lot already, but we need to do more on food security. We cannot help but invest in each another's country," he said. "Nigeria's financial sector is evolving and flourishing."

"We are also creating grounds for investment in Nigeria's economy for French nationals, especially in the area of food security. It is our responsibility to put together a food security program for the private sector to come and invest in the country."

Tinubu highlighted Nigeria's ongoing efforts to achieve greater stability and continuous improvement, and assured France that the country was open for business, supported by a vibrant, educated youth population eager to engage in entrepreneurship and development.

He added there was an urgent need to reduce risks in the solid minerals sector to unlock its full potential and underscored Nigeria's commitment to fostering stronger partnerships. Tinubu also stressed the importance of addressing hunger, stating that no child in the 21st century should go to bed hungry, as food security remained a top priority for the nation.

He reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to partnering with France, particularly in addressing migration challenges through enhanced security operations. Tinubu also pointed to successful initiatives in Lagos, such as managing the Atlantic Ocean, to demonstrate Nigeria's focus on fisheries as a key investment area.

Meanwhile, the French president noted Tinubu's visit as an important step toward strengthening bilateral ties, with a focus on creative industries and youth-centered initiatives. Macron stressed the need for governments to work together to address global humanitarian challenges.

He expressed confidence in Tinubu's leadership to enhance relations between Nigeria and France, extending the collaboration to the broader West African region with ECOWAS playing a key role.

The French president also applauded his Nigerian counterpart's visionary leadership and efforts to transform Nigeria's economy, reaffirming France's commitment to working with Nigeria for shared global success.

Tinubu had begun his three-day visit to France on Wednesday, following an invitation from President Macron to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.