President Bola Tinubu has called for collaboration to fight violent extremism and terrorism.
He made the call on Thursday during a joint press conference in Paris with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, at the Palais des L’Élysée.
“Nigeria is a partner in progress. We are ready to partner with France so that we can have security operations that will stop the challenge of migration,” Tinubu was quoted in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu affirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as food security, energy, solid minerals, education, and defence during a high-profile meeting with Macron.
He highlighted the vast, yet largely untapped potential within Nigeria’s agricultural sector and beckoned international investors to capitalize on the nation’s welcoming investment climate.
The President emphasised Nigeria’s flourishing financial sector as a facilitator for foreign investment, particularly from French enterprises, as part of the drive to bolster food security.
“The French- Nigeria Business Forum is doing a lot already, but we need to do more on food security. We cannot help but invest in another’s country.
“Nigeria’s financial sector is evolving and flourishing. We are also creating grounds for investment in Nigeria’s economy for French nationals, especially in the area of food security.
“It is our responsibility to put together a food security programme for the private sector to come and invest in the country.
“We are working on stability and we are getting closer and closer, but we can do better and better,” the President stated.
He said Nigeria is working on diversifying its economy away from fossil fuels and believes France can play a key role in that move.
Tinubu thanked the French government for providing stability for Nigerian businesses in the European country.
“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 said.
Tinubu’s visit is the first official state visit by a Nigerian leader in more than two decades.