France has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties with Nigeria, highlighting the country’s strategic importance as France’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa and the biggest destination for French investments in West Africa. The renewed commitment was announced during the celebration of France’s National Day in Lagos, where officials emphasized the growing economic partnership between both nations and their shared vision for sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, the Consul General of France in Lagos, Laurent Favier, said relations between France and Nigeria have reached new heights in recent years through increased diplomatic engagements and stronger commercial partnerships. According to him, collaboration now spans key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology, education, entrepreneurship, and culture, reflecting a broad commitment to fostering long-term economic cooperation.
Favier revealed that Nigeria accounts for nearly 60 percent of all French investments in West Africa, with more than 100 French companies currently operating across the country and providing employment to over 16,000 Nigerians. He also disclosed that Business France recently led an Oil and Gas trade mission to Nigeria, bringing together several French firms to explore investment opportunities, while the French Treasury is supporting a pilot hydroelectric power project in Katsina State to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity sector.
The French envoy further highlighted France’s long-standing development support through the French Development Agency (AFD), which has invested more than €3.3 billion in 57 projects across 23 Nigerian states over the past 17 years. These projects, including investments from AFD’s private-sector arm, Proparco, have focused on improving infrastructure, supporting businesses, creating jobs, expanding skills development, and promoting inclusive economic growth across the country.
Looking ahead, France expressed optimism about the future of its partnership with Nigeria, citing recent high-level engagements such as the Creation Africa Forum in Lagos, which has paved the way for collaborations in vocational training, digital innovation, higher education, and the creative economy. Favier reaffirmed that Team France remains committed to working closely with Nigeria to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, education, culture, and sustainable development, reinforcing a partnership that continues to deliver economic opportunities for both countries.
source: The guardian
