President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for increased foreign investments in key sectors of Nigeria’s economy, including food security, solid minerals, energy, and education, during a high-level meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des L’Élysée.
Speaking at a joint press conference, President Tinubu highlighted the vast potential of Nigeria’s agricultural and financial sectors, urging French investors to capitalise on the country’s investment-friendly climate.
“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 another’s country,” he said.
President Tinubu emphasised the necessity of private sector involvement in achieving food security, stating, “It is our responsibility to put together a food security programme for the private sector to come and invest in the country.”
He reassured investors of the evolving stability in Nigeria’s economy, describing it as ripe for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) that would benefit citizens directly.
On education, President Tinubu called on the French government to support training initiatives for Nigeria’s youthful population, highlighting the critical link between education and national development.
“If an African child is given a glass of milk in a class, there will be no problem in getting him to return and stay in school to learn. The more educated the children are, the better it is for us,” he said.
The President also stressed the need to “de-risk opportunities in solid minerals,” pointing to Nigeria’s untapped potential in the sector. He encouraged investors to explore the blue economy, especially fisheries, adding, “In Lagos, we have tamed the Atlantic Ocean. For us, fishery is an important aspect of investment.”
President Macron then lauded Tinubu’s leadership, describing his visit as a milestone for strengthening Nigeria-France ties. “We have confidence that you, Mr President, will reinforce our relationship with Nigeria, and it will cover the West Coast region, with ECOWAS playing the leading role,” Macron said.
He pledged to encourage more French investments, particularly in Nigeria’s solid minerals and creative industries.
The meeting also addressed global challenges, with both leaders underscoring the importance of collective responsibility in tackling food security, education, and terrorism. Macron noted, “Global humanitarian challenges can only be solved with governments working together.”
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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