France applauds Nigeria’s economic reforms, charts new course for bilateral ties
French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, has lauded the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing them as pivotal to attracting foreign investment and fostering new areas of cooperation between France and Nigeria. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja, Fonbaustier […]
French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, has lauded the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing them as pivotal to attracting foreign investment and fostering new areas of cooperation between France and Nigeria.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja, Fonbaustier said the reforms, including the unification of the forex market and removal of fuel subsidies, “had created fresh opportunities for investment in agriculture, renewable energy, ICT, and the creative industry.”
He also praised the strategic partnership between both countries, anchored on shared ideals.
“We share a strategic mirroring effect in sovereignty, non-alignment, and self-reliance,” Fonbaustier stated, adding that France is keen to build meaningful collaborations “devoid of colonial baggage.”
Amid concerns over negative perceptions of Nigeria in French media, the envoy pledged to “correct the narrative and build investor confidence” by highlighting Nigeria’s reforms and growth potential.
On the cultural front, the French envoy announced two events – a celebration of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti in Lagos this October, and the Forum Creation Africa, a cultural showcase involving over 800 participants from both countries from October 16–18.
Speaking, Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the commendation, describing French investments as safe, and assured the ambassador of the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for both existing and prospective investors.
“French investments are safe in Nigeria,” she affirmed, adding that the government was promoting “fiscal responsibility, transparency, accountability and adherence to due process.”
She noted that the cordial relationship between President Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron had “helped advance bilateral relations,” and stressed Nigeria’s readiness to operationalise agreements signed during Tinubu’s State Visit to France in 2024.
The minister urged French investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s expanding economy, while commending the growing presence of Nigerian banks in France.
She also called for greater engagement under MEDEF, France’s largest entrepreneur federation.
On education and migration, Odumegwu-Ojukwu cited the recent student exchange agreement between TETFund and Campus France and raised concerns over irregular migration affecting Nigeria’s global image.