Tinubu transforming Nigeria like he did in Lagos — Macron
Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.
French President, Mr Emmanuel Macron has hailed his Nigerian counterpart, President Bola Tinubu for applying the transformative leadership style he demonstrated in Lagos while as a governor to drive progress at the national level.
He made the statement on Thursday during a joint press briefing with the Nigerian leader in France, where he has been on an official visit since Wednesday.
Macron underscored Tinubu’s ability to foster confidence among French and global business communities, making Nigeria an juicy destination for international investment.
“I would like to congratulate you for your leadership and the desire for us to work together. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for your presence on the state visit. I’d like to thank you for your energy and dynamism.
“Having transformed the state of Lagos, you’re using that energy to transform your country for the better.
“The energy that we have felt among your ministers, investors, and business communities has completely convinced us, the French and also the whole business world to invest in your country and make Nigeria a major partner for now and for the future,” Macron noted.
Speaking further, the French president expressed France’s commitment to forging a multi-sectoral partnership with Nigeria, including collaborations in health, creative industries, and climate action.
He stressed the deepening economic ties, noting that France has become a hub for Nigerian financial institutions operating in the country.
“In each of these sectors, we have defined some lines of action in terms of critical minerals and energy, and we will be signing some supplementary agreements. In the last few years, I’m glad to see the partnership we have signed with the strengthening of Nigerian banking in our country in the last five years.
Related Posts
“We have become the business hub for Nigerian business in France. Many banks have opened their offices here. We have financial partnerships.
“Apart from this economic partnership which makes France a long-term partner with you, we also want to partner with you on food security and the extraction of your minerals and be a partner of your defense strategy,” Macron added.
Meanwhile, Mr Tinubu’s visit comes at a time when France is running from pillar to post seeking to restore its influence in the Sahel region after it was booted out of Niger Republic.
France was chased out of Niger following accusations of exploitation and interference in it’s internal affairs.
However, economically, France remains a significant trade partner with Nigeria, with annual trade between the two nations valued at billions of dollars.
