The French government has commended Nigeria’s bold economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthen bilateral ties between both nations.
During a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja on Thursday, French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier praised Nigeria’s policy shifts, including foreign exchange market unification and fuel subsidy removal.
“The reforms have created fresh opportunities for investment in agriculture, renewable energy, ICT, and the creative industry,” Fonbaustier stated, highlighting growing French interest in Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.
The envoy emphasized the unique nature of Franco-Nigerian relations, noting: “We share a strategic mirroring effect in sovereignty, non-alignment, and self-reliance.” He assured that France seeks to build partnerships “devoid of colonial baggage,” while promising to reshape international perceptions of Nigeria’s business environment.
To counter negative media portrayals, Fonbaustier pledged to “correct the narrative and build investor confidence” by spotlighting Nigeria’s reform progress. The diplomatic push will be complemented by cultural exchanges, including an October celebration of Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti in Lagos and the Forum Creation Africa cultural showcase from October 16-18, featuring over 800 participants from both nations.
In response, Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed France’s endorsement, assuring that “French investments are safe in Nigeria.” She outlined the government’s commitment to “fiscal responsibility, transparency, accountability and adherence to due process” as key pillars for foreign investors.
The minister highlighted the warm rapport between Presidents Tinubu and Emmanuel Macron as instrumental in advancing bilateral relations, particularly in implementing agreements from Tinubu’s 2024 state visit to France. She encouraged French businesses to explore Nigeria’s expanding economy through platforms like MEDEF, France’s leading entrepreneur network.
On educational cooperation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu cited the recent student exchange pact between TETFund and Campus France while expressing concerns about irregular migration’s impact on Nigeria’s global image.
The discussions reflect both nations’ efforts to deepen ties beyond traditional diplomacy into trade, culture, and human capital development.
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