President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the outcome of the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council meeting, saying the partnership between both countries has now moved from discussion to full implementation.
The meeting was held at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, where top government officials and leading global business figures reviewed ongoing investments and new collaboration frameworks between Nigeria and France.
Trade Hits $4.7bn As Tinubu Pushes Investment Drive
President Tinubu noted that trade between Nigeria and France reached $4.7 billion in 2025, describing Nigeria as the leading destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa.
He said the growing economic ties must now translate into jobs, industrial expansion, infrastructure development and wider prosperity for both nations.
The meeting had in attendance Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, and France’s Minister Delegate, Nicolas Forissier, alongside top private sector leaders from both countries.
Dangote, Elumelu, Others Attend High-Level Meeting
The session also brought together major business leaders including Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, and other prominent investors, alongside international partners such as Patrick Pouyanné of TotalEnergies and representatives of CMA CGM, Danone and Accor.
President Tinubu commended the Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, for convening what he described as a productive session focused on real economic delivery.
Accor–Shoreline Deal Highlights New Investment Push
A key highlight of the meeting was the signing of an agreement between Accor and Shoreline Group for Nigeria’s first national hotel platform.
The President described the development as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism and services sector, noting that it reflects rising investor confidence in ongoing reforms.
‘Nigeria Is Ready For Serious Economic Execution’ — Tinubu
Tinubu said Nigeria and France are no longer operating at the level of goodwill exchanges but are now focused on measurable economic outcomes.
“This is the partnership Nigeria is ready for. We are ready for investment that builds, capital that produces, and enterprise that creates jobs,” he said.
He added that the next phase of Africa-Europe relations would be defined by tangible projects in energy, agriculture, technology, logistics and industrial production.
Reform Agenda Drives Confidence
The President further assured investors that his administration would continue strengthening the business environment, deepening reforms and supporting credible investment inflows into the country.
According to him, the goal is to position Nigeria as a stable and competitive economy capable of attracting long-term capital.