President Bola Tinubu has called for a robust partnership between Nigeria and other countries to address the issue of migration and promote economic growth.
Addressing investors in Paris, Tinubu emphasized the need for collaboration to create opportunities for Nigeria’s vast and educated youth population, estimated to be around 160 million.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria is ready for business, with his administration having removed all bureaucratic hurdles to ensure an “easy in, easy out” environment for investors.
He assured investors that Nigeria is secure and ready for business, having worked tirelessly to stabilize the economy.
The President also sought collaboration with France to combat terrorism in the region, noting that the fight against terrorism should be amplified in Nigeria to secure Africa.
He said: “We have a vibrant youth population, educated and ready to be trained. We seek your help to train and develop our youth.
“Nigeria is ready to partner with France. We have a friendly economy that enables the ease of doing business and will in turn end migration.
“We have been working tirelessly to stabilize the economy. I can assure all investors that Nigeria is secured and ready for business.”
Persecondnews reports that with France having a huge military presence in West Africa, Tinubu called on Macron to collaborate with the giant of Africa to curb terrorism, noting that “the fight against terrorism should be amplified in Nigeria to secure Africa.”
In addition to addressing migration and terrorism, Tinubu also highlighted the need for attention to food security.
He pointed out that no child should go to bed hungry in the 21st century and proposed that ensuring an African child has access to basic nutrition, such as a pint of milk, sandwich, or egg per day, would encourage them to attend school.
“If an African child is assured of a pint of milk, sandwich, or egg per day in class, there will be joy to go to school,” the Nigerian leader said.
Earlier, Persecondnews reported that the official visit began with a formal welcome ceremony at the historic Invalides Memorial Complex in Paris.
The occasion signifies the first official state visit by a Nigerian leader to France in over two decades, underscoring the importance of this diplomatic engagement.
The visit is aimed at fostering deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria and France, with both leaders committed to enhancing bilateral ties.
Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy and leading oil producer, offers extensive opportunities for collaboration across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, culture, and technology.
Macron, who has sought to revitalize France’s relationship with Africa since his election in 2017, views this visit as a chance to reset relations with English-speaking African nations amid waning French influence on the continent.
During the ceremonial welcome, the national anthems of both countries resonated in the courtyard of the Invalides Memorial Complex, symbolizing mutual respect and shared aspirations.
The French presidency emphasized the visit as a platform to “deepen the already dynamic relationship” between the two nations.
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