The President of Nigeria Bola Tinubu was received this Thursday, November 28 at the Élysée as part of a three-day state visit, the first in 24 years for a Nigerian president. This visit was largely focused on the economy, with the aim of “ renew » and to expand the partnership between France and one of the largest economies in Africa.
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Nigerian President Bola Tinubu was treated this Thursday, November 28 in Paris to the orchestra of the Republican Guard and the review of the troops in the courtyard of the Invalides with President Emmanuel Macron, before a dinner in the evening in the presence of various French business leaders, including Xavier Niel, boss of the Iliad telecommunications group, and Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies.
This state visit constitutes a godsend for the Nigerian head of state, at a time when his country is facing a very serious economic crisis. “ No matter how much you invest in other African countries, it is essential to consider Nigeria as a serious partner to achieve your goals. Regardless, we want to assure the investment community that Nigeria is open for business “, said Bola Tinubu.
Investment promises
For the moment, no concrete announcement, but promises of investment in many areas from the president Emmanuel Macron. “ France will continue to invest through its Development Agency: more than 330 million euros from 2025 in addition to projects in food security, urban mobility, higher education, agriculture and professional training. , and climate change. In addition to AFD Group’s investments, new investments will be added via loans from the French Treasury. », announced the French president.
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THE “ lines of action for investment by French companies » in one of Africa’s leading economies concern the field of energy, rare metals and critical minerals, including new technologies or the creative and cultural industries. Promises welcomed by the president Bola Tinubuwho recalled the need to create jobs for Nigerian youth and ensure food security for the population of his country.
But the relationship is intended to be reciprocal: France has thus become the leading Nigerian business hub in Europe, notably with the upcoming establishment of a fifth Nigerian bank in Paris.
Support for Nigeria’s politics
Emmanuel Macron also provided more political support to Bola Tinubu, encouraging his reforms, which are controversial in Nigeria, and ensuring that France wants to see more representatives of African countries in major international bodies.
Your desire to be a structuring security and defense player throughout the ECOWAS region is a decisive ambition that France wants to support.
Emmanuel Macron welcomes the policies of the Nigerian president
The African giant is criticized by several NGOs for the human rights abuses committed by its security forces against its population, recalls AFP, particularly in the context of the fight against jihadist groups. Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa, in the north of its territory.
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