President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the outcomes of the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council Meeting held during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, describing the developments as evidence that relations between Nigeria and France have moved from dialogue to practical implementation.
According to the President, the growing economic relationship between both countries, with bilateral trade reaching $4.7 billion in 2025 and Nigeria remaining the leading destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa, must now translate into tangible benefits including jobs, industrial growth, infrastructure development, and shared prosperity.
The meeting brought together top government officials and business leaders from both countries, including Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and France’s Minister Delegate, Nicolas Forissier, alongside leading investors and corporate executives who provided updates on ongoing projects and pledged to deepen collaboration.
President Tinubu commended the Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, for convening what he described as a productive session involving major private-sector stakeholders from Nigeria and France.
He also acknowledged the participation of prominent business leaders including Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu, Wale Tinubu, Kola Karim, Kashim Bukar, Patrick Pouyanné, and Rodolphe Saadé, saying their presence reflects increasing confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms and long-term competitiveness.
The President particularly welcomed the partnership agreement between [Accor](https://group.accor.com/en?utm_source=chatgpt.com) and [Shoreline Group](https://shorelinegroup.com.ng?utm_source=chatgpt.com) to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, describing the move as a significant boost for the country’s hospitality, tourism, and investment sectors.
“This is the partnership Nigeria is ready for. We are ready for investment that builds, capital that produces, and enterprise that creates jobs. Nigeria and France are no longer simply exchanging goodwill. We are opening a new chapter of serious economic execution,” President Tinubu stated.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the business environment, supporting credible investors, and sustaining reforms aimed at making Nigeria a more stable, productive, and competitive economy.
He added that the outcome of the Africa Forward Summit demonstrates that Nigeria and France are strengthening economic cooperation through investments in manufacturing, hospitality, logistics, energy, technology, agriculture, and other critical sectors.