President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron have formalised two pivotal agreements in Paris, aimed at advancing critical infrastructure, agriculture, and food security in Nigeria.
The partnerships emphasise collaboration on investments in healthcare, transportation, and the agricultural value chain, alongside initiatives in renewable energy and human capital development. Financial and technical assistance worth over €300 million will be allocated across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
At the signing event, Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Wale Edun, and France’s Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, Antoine Armand, endorsed a Letter of Intent to strengthen trade, eliminate fiscal barriers, and safeguard labour rights.
Additionally, Edun and Rémi Rioux, Chief Executive Officer of the French Development Agency (AFD), signed another Letter of Intent supporting Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This partnership focuses on urban infrastructure, transportation, housing, agriculture, food security, healthcare, and sustainable economic growth.
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the AFD committed to fostering Nigeria’s energy transition, sustainable agriculture, and food security. It also pledged support for agro-logistic hubs and funding for MSMEs in high-impact sectors.
During the visit, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, chaired by Tony Elumelu, secured approval to commence operations in Paris, while Zenith Bank also launched its services in France.
The agreements were signed during an economic forum at the Palais des Elysée, attended by business leaders, industry captains, governors, and government officials from both nations.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
