Kehinde Fajobi
President Bola Tinubu has assured French investors that Nigeria is ready for business, highlighting ongoing efforts to create a conducive environment for investment.
He made the remarks on Thursday during a joint press briefing with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.
“We’ve been working on stabilising the security system in Nigeria, and we are getting closer and closer,” Tinubu said.
“We are doing better now in the area of security. I can assure all the investors that Nigeria is open for business.”
Tinubu emphasised his administration’s commitment to a free market economy.
“We assure you of a free market economy; easy in, easy out; no hindrance,” he added.
Highlighting Nigeria’s youthful and skilled population, the president urged French investors to tap into this resource.
“We have a vibrant youth population that is well-educated, skilled, and ready to be trained for the development of our economy.
“This, I will emphasise, is why we need the French experts and investors to do more in this area to help develop our youth population,” Tinubu stated.
President Tinubu also underscored Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond fossil fuels and called for France’s support in this transition.
“We have the potential to diversify our economy from fossil fuels,” he said.
“In Lagos, for example, we have tamed the Atlantic Ocean so far, and we are still promoting marine and blue economy. Fishery is an important aspect of our economic potential.”
He expressed gratitude to the French government for fostering stability for Nigerian businesses in France.
“Thank you for creating a conducive environment for them to flourish, and we are creating the same ground for investment in the Nigerian economy for the French nationality in the area of food security,” Tinubu noted.
While recognising Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity and economic instability, Tinubu reiterated the importance of collaboration with France.
“Nigeria is ready to partner with France so that we will have a very robust security operation that will stop migration,” he said, stressing the need for a peaceful business environment.
The Nigerian leader also expressed interest in strengthening the defence sector, adding, “On the defence industry, I really appreciate what you shared with us and the promise for the future.”
President Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to investing in Nigeria, despite the shifting dynamics of French influence in Africa.
“We will continue to invest,” Macron said, as his country works to redefine its relationship with the continent.
Tinubu’s visit marks the first official state visit by a Nigerian president to France in more than 20 years.