President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the outcome of the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council Meeting held during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that he said the meeting showed that Nigeria and France are moving from discussions to real economic cooperation that will create jobs, industries, and investment opportunities.
The President said trade between both countries reached $4.7 billion in 2025, while Nigeria remained the leading destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa. The meeting was attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, France’s Minister Delegate Nicolas Forissier, and top business leaders from both countries.
President Tinubu commended the Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig Imoukhuede, for organising the session. He also praised the participation of business leaders including Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu, Wale Tinubu, Kola Karim, Kashim Bukar, Patrick Pouyanné of TotalEnergies, Rodolphe Saadé of CMA CGM, Danone, Accor, and other partners, saying their presence showed growing confidence in Nigeria’s economy and reform policies.
The President particularly welcomed the agreement signed between Accor and Shoreline Group for Nigeria’s first national hotel platform. He described it as a major boost for Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector. Tinubu added that his administration would continue to improve the business environment and support investments that will strengthen the economy and create more opportunities for Nigerians.