The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the strategic partnership between Nigeria and France, with renewed focus on cooperation in trade, security, education, infrastructure, and culture.
This reaffirmation came during a meeting between the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, held at the Tafawa Balewa House, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
Highlighting the strong historical ties between both nations since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described France as one of Nigeria’s most consistent and reliable partners, particularly in the areas of economic development, counter-terrorism, and cultural exchange.
She noted that Nigeria remained France’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa and a key global supplier of hydrocarbons. The Minister emphasized the positive impact of the cordial relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron, adding that the personal bond between the two leaders has significantly propelled bilateral engagements.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to operationalise various Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed during President Tinubu’s State Visit to France in November 2024. These agreements cover strategic areas such as energy, infrastructure, education, and technology.
Encouraging France to expand its economic footprint in Nigeria, the Minister urged the French government to facilitate more private sector involvement, while acknowledging the growing influence of Nigerian banks such as Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, and United Bank for Africa within the French financial ecosystem.
She assured the Ambassador of Nigeria’s commitment to providing a safe and enabling environment for foreign investors. “The Federal Government has undertaken key economic reforms aimed at fiscal responsibility, transparency, and due process to attract and protect investment,” she stated.
On security cooperation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended France’s unwavering support in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, especially in the North-East. She stressed that continued collaboration in defence, intelligence, and regional stabilization would be vital to achieving lasting peace and security.
“We will continue to count on France’s support in the campaign against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria, particularly through strategic cooperation and assistance,” she noted.
The Minister also called for greater educational collaboration, citing the recent Agreement on student exchange signed between the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and Campus France. She further urged France to support Nigeria’s candidates vying for positions in international organizations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu raised concerns over irregular migration and its implications for Nigeria’s global image, while reaffirming Nigeria’s status as a reliable partner for peace, trade, and sustainable development especially in the Niger Delta region.
In his remarks, Ambassador Fonbaustier, who was accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission Jean-Françoise Hasperue, said France and Nigeria share a “strategic mirroring effect” based on shared values of sovereignty, non-alignment, and self-reliance. He emphasized that the absence of a colonial past between both countries presents a unique opportunity for collaboration free from historical burdens.
The French envoy announced plans to host a major cultural exhibition in Lagos in October 2025 to celebrate the life and legacy of Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo Kuti. He also disclosed preparations for the Forum Creation Africa, a flagship cultural event to be held in Lagos from October 16–18, 2025. The forum will feature concerts, exhibitions, and fashion shows, with over 800 participants from both countries.
Fonbaustier acknowledged the economic reforms introduced under President Tinubu’s administration including the unification of the forex market and the removal of fuel subsidies as bold steps that have unlocked new opportunities for investment in agriculture, renewable energy, ICT, and the creative industry.
He expressed concern over the negative perception of Nigeria in French media, often driven by narratives around insecurity and corruption, and pledged to work towards correcting those views by showcasing the country’s progress and economic potential.
The Ambassador concluded the visit by inviting Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu to France’s National Day celebration scheduled for July 14, 2025.
