*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, in Paris, underscores Nigeria’s strong commitment to enhancing cooperation in key sectors of the economy, including food security, energy, solid minerals, education and defence

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has affirmed the country’s strong commitment to enhancing cooperation in key sectors of the economy, such as food security, energy, solid minerals, education, and defence.

Tinubu noted this Thursday, November 27, 2024, during a high-profile meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the prestigious Palais des L’脡lys茅e.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Thursday also stated the Nigerian leader, at a joint press conference in Paris, highlighted the vast, largely untapped potential within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Nigeria evolving robust financial industry, says President

President Tinubu beckoned international investors to cash in on the welcoming investment climate in Nigeria to do business.

Tinubu further stated: “The French-Nigeria Business Forum is doing a lot already, but we need to do more on food security.

“We cannot help but invest in another’s country.鈥�

He equally emphasised the West African country’s flourishing financial sector as a facilitator for foreign investment, particularly from French enterprises, as part of the drive to enhance food security.

The President said: “Nigeria’s financial sector is evolving and flourishing.

“We are also creating grounds for investment in Nigeria’s economy for French nationals, especially in the area of food security.”

Tinubu noted: “It is our responsibility to put together a food security programme for the private sector to come and invest in the country.

“We are working on stability, and we are getting closer and closer, but we can do better and better.”

On attracting FDIs for economic development

President Tinubu said Nigeria’s economy was being repositioned for more Foreign Direct Investment that will directly impact the livelihood of the citizens.

He asserted: “I can assure you that Nigeria is open for business and close to this.

“We have a vibrant youth population that is educated, and ready to be trained in various areas of entrepreneurship and development.”

The President as well implored the French Government to extend to training programmes that will develop the youthful population of Nigerians.

He also emphasised that “we should de-risk the opportunities in the solid minerals.

“We have the potential and we have agreed on a deeper and deeper relationship.”

Relating one of the economic challenges on African continent, Tinubu told French President Macron and his delegation that “Nigeria, like most African nations, have been preoccupied with tackling issues of food security.

“A starved nation will not care about weather or environment, and in the 21st Century no child should go to bed hungry.

“If an African child is given a glass of milk in a class, there will be no problem in getting him to return and stay in school to learn.”

Addressing extant security challenges in Nigeria

The Nigerian President stressed the importance of education, stating “the more educated the children are, the better it is for us.”

In addressing the current security issues in the economy, Tinubu emphasised the need for collective responsibility to fight terrorism.

“Nigeria is a partner in progress. We are ready to partner with France so that we can have security operations that will stop the challenge of migration,” he noted.

President Tinubu said the blue economy in Nigeria also provides a huge opportunity for investment, with unexplored potential in fishery.

He said: “In Lagos, we have tamed the Atlantic Ocean. For us, fishery is an important aspect of investment.

“We want to assure the French investment community that Nigeria is open for business.

“It shall be easy in, and easy out.”

Tinubu, the great leader of the great African country: Macron

Speaking at the joint press conference Thursday, French President Macron acknowledged Tinubu鈥檚 state visit as a milestone heralding deeper bilateral relationships, particularly emphasising collaborative growth in creative industries and youth-focused initiatives.

The French President submitted that the global humanitarian challenges could only be solved with governments working together.

We’ll work together for collective, global success, says French President

Macron also stated: “We have confidence that you, Mr President will reinforce our relationship with Nigeria, and it will cover the West Coast region, with ECOWAS playing the leading role.

“I will seek your leadership to work as partners of progress. You are the great leader of the great country in Africa.”

The French President said: “We appreciate your visionary leadership and energy in transforming the economy of your country.

“We will work together for collective, global success.”

Earlier in his address, President Macron had assured that he would encourage more investments in the solid minerals sector, with the signing of an agreement.

The statement disclosed Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, also had made a presentation in the potential in the sector during a political meeting.

Earlier, President Macron and his wife, Brigitte, had welcomed President Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu with full honours at Hotel Les Invalides and Palais De l’脡lys茅e in Paris.

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