French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed confidence in Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s mission to transform Nigeria, akin to his success during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State. Macron, speaking during a state dinner in Paris, emphasized that Tinubu’s leadership has already proven impactful, particularly in overcoming military rule. He praised Nigeria as a country of immense potential, driven by its young and talented populace.
In response, President Tinubu highlighted the strengthened diplomatic ties between Nigeria and France, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to robust economic reforms. He reassured Macron of Nigeria’s dedication to progress, stressing that the country would no longer be held back by past challenges. Tinubu expressed optimism for the future, underscoring the need for transformative change across Africa.
President Tinubu also acknowledged the French government’s support for Africa, specifically in terms of investment and collaboration. He cited the presence of notable Nigerian business figures, including Aliko Dangote, Aig Imoukhuede, and Tony Elumelu, as a testament to Nigeria’s strong economic partnerships with France. This marks a significant moment in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Macron’s remarks also centered on his belief in the potential for further collaboration, especially in areas like investment and technological development. He referred to Nigeria as a key partner in Africa, one with immense influence in shaping the continent’s future. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to work together for mutual benefits, emphasizing the importance of global partnerships.
President Tinubu’s administration has prioritized reforms aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s economy, and this visit to France underscores his intentions to create new opportunities for the country. By strengthening ties with European partners like France, Tinubu hopes to position Nigeria as a leader in the global market. The cooperation with France is seen as a major step towards realizing this goal.
With both Macron and Tinubu aligned in their visions, the next steps in Nigerian-French relations appear promising. The continued support and engagement from both sides signal a positive trajectory for the future of the African continent, with Nigeria playing a central role. As President Tinubu’s reforms unfold, the expectations for Nigeria’s development remain high.
In his remarks, “You open your doors for investment for our friends and brothers here. I could see Aliko Dangote, Aig Imoukhuede, and Tony Elumelu here. You have memories of your friends in Nigeria. You asked for Mike Adenuga earlier today. Thank you.”
