Following the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council meeting in Nairobi, President Tinubu declared that the partnership has moved beyond dialogue into “serious economic execution,” highlighted by a landmark hotel investment deal.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the successful conclusion of the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council Meeting, held at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. The President declared that the relationship between both nations has entered a decisive “execution phase,” shifting from diplomatic goodwill to tangible industrial and infrastructural development.
Trade between Nigeria and France reached a significant $4.7 billion in 2025, cementing Nigeria’s position as the top destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa. President Tinubu emphasized that this momentum must now be translated into job creation and shared prosperity for citizens of both countries.
The meeting, attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and France’s Minister Delegate, Nicolas Forissier, featured a “who’s who” of global business leaders. The President commended the Council Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, for fostering a productive environment for private-sector collaboration.
Key participants included:
- Nigerian Magnates: Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu, Wale Tinubu, Kola Karim, and Kashim Bukar.
- French Giants: Patrick Pouyanné (TotalEnergies), Rodolphe Saadé (CMA CGM), Danone, Accor, and other strategic partners.
A major highlight of the summit was the signing of an agreement between Accor and Shoreline Group to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform. President Tinubu described the deal as a massive vote of confidence in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
“This is the partnership Nigeria is ready for. We are ready for investment that builds, capital that produces, and an enterprise that creates jobs. Nigeria and France are no longer simply exchanging goodwill. We are opening a new chapter of serious economic execution.” – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening reforms to ensure Nigeria remains a stable and competitive destination for global capital. He noted that the “next chapter” of Africa-Europe relations will be defined by concrete projects in factories, ports, energy, and technology.
“The message from the Africa Forward summit is clear: Nigeria is ready, France is engaged, and the private sector is moving forward,” the President concluded, promising continued support for credible investors looking to tap into Nigeria’s long-term competitiveness.
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