President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the outcomes of the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council Meeting held during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, saying the partnership between both countries has moved from discussions to concrete economic action.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the growing relationship between Nigeria and France now carries significant economic value, with trade between both nations reaching $4.7 billion in 2025.
The President noted that Nigeria remains the leading destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa and stressed the need for the partnership to translate into jobs, industrial growth, infrastructure development and shared prosperity.
The meeting was attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, France’s Minister Delegate, Nicolas Forissier, as well as top business leaders from both countries.
Tinubu commended the Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, for organising what he described as a productive session involving major private-sector players.
Among business leaders present at the meeting were Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu, Wale Tinubu, Kola Karim, Kashim Bukar, TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné, CMA CGM Chairman Rodolphe Saadé, alongside representatives of Danone and Accor.
The President particularly welcomed the agreement signed between Accor and Shoreline Group to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s hospitality, tourism and investment sectors.
“This is the partnership Nigeria is ready for. We are ready for investment that builds, capital that produces, and enterprise that creates jobs,” Tinubu said.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the business environment, supporting credible investors and deepening reforms aimed at making Nigeria more competitive and economically productive.
Tinubu added that the Africa Forward Summit highlighted growing collaboration between Africa and Europe, with future partnerships expected to drive investments across sectors including energy, technology, agriculture, ports, hospitality and manufacturing.