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 evidence that relations between Nigeria and France are shifting from discussions to concrete economic action.
President Tinubu noted that trade between both countries reached 4.7 billion dollars in 2025, with Nigeria retaining its position as the leading destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa. He said the growing partnership must now translate into jobs, industrial growth, infrastructure development, and improved prosperity for citizens of both nations.
The meeting brought together top government officials and business leaders from Nigeria and France, including Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and France’s Minister Delegate, Nicolas Forissier. Participants reviewed ongoing projects and pledged to deepen bilateral collaboration across key sectors.
President Tinubu commended the Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, for convening what he described as a productive session involving major players from both countries’ private sectors.
The President also acknowledged the participation of prominent business figures including Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu, Wale Tinubu, Kola Karim, Kashim Bukar, Patrick Pouyanné, and Rodolphe Saadé.
According to the President, Nigeria is prepared for partnerships that drive industrial expansion, create employment, and stimulate economic growth. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the business environment, supporting credible investors, and sustaining reforms aimed at making Nigeria more stable, productive, and globally competitive.
President Tinubu added that the message from the Africa Forward Summit is clear, Nigeria is open for business, France remains committed, and private sector actors from both countries are ready to expand cooperation across industries including energy, technology, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and manufacturing.