President Bola Tinubu has said the economic relationship between Nigeria and France is entering a new phase focused on the implementation of investment agreements and business partnerships.
Tinubu made the remark following the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council Meeting held during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Presidency on Tuesday through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, trade volume between Nigeria and France rose to $4.7bn in 2025, with Nigeria retaining its position as the leading destination for French investments in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The meeting brought together senior government officials and top business leaders from both countries, including Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, and France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, Nicolas Forissier.
Tinubu commended the Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, for convening the meeting, which attracted major private sector stakeholders.
Prominent Nigerian business leaders at the event included Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu and Wale Tinubu, alongside representatives of French firms such as TotalEnergies, CMA CGM, Danone and Accor.
The President particularly welcomed a new agreement between Accor and Shoreline Group aimed at establishing what was described as Nigeria’s first national hotel platform.
“This is the partnership Nigeria is ready for. We are ready for investment that builds, capital that produces, and enterprise that creates jobs,” Tinubu stated.
He also assured investors that his administration would continue to strengthen economic reforms and improve the ease of doing business in the country.
Tinubu added that the Federal Government remained committed to creating an enabling environment capable of attracting sustainable investments and supporting long-term economic growth.
