Quote from Nas_N on May 13, 2026, 7:01 am

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the outcomes of the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, stating that the partnership has officially entered its “execution phase.” Speaking at the Africa Forward Summit, the President noted that trade between the two nations reached $4.7 billion in 2025. He emphasized that Nigeria remains the top destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa, a status that must now translate into tangible jobs and infrastructure.

The meeting featured high-level representation from both countries, including Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and leading private sector figures like Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu. The discussions focused on expanding collaborations in energy, logistics, and manufacturing. The President commended the council’s chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, for fostering a session that prioritized delivery over mere dialogue.

A significant highlight of the summit was the signing of a landmark agreement between the Accor Group and the Shoreline Group. This partnership aims to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, which the President described as a massive vote of confidence in the nation’s hospitality and tourism sectors. This move is expected to catalyze further foreign direct investment into the services industry.

President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for international capital. He noted that the presence of global players like TotalEnergies and CMA CGM at the council reflects growing global confidence in Nigeria’s long-term economic reforms. The focus now shifts to ensuring these high-level agreements manifest as physical projects across the federation.

https://statehouse.gov.ng/president-tinubu-welcomes-10th-france-nigeria-business-council-meeting/