President Bola Tinubu has hailed the warm relationship between Nigeria and France, praising French President Emmanuel Macron’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Africa. Speaking at a State Dinner hosted in his honor at the Palais des Elysée in Paris on Thursday, Tinubu expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria-France relations and their potential impact on the African continent.
Accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, top Nigerian government officials, prominent businessmen, and World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Nigerian leader emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two nations.
“It is a great honor for me to be here. Your warmth, commitment, and foresight in Africa are remarkable. France’s dedication to freedom, democracy, and development is inspiring, and together, we must build a continent that resonates with hope and progress for its people,” Tinubu stated.
He also thanked President Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, for their hospitality during the three-day reception, expressing gratitude for the opportunities to deepen economic and social ties.
Highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu stressed the importance of breaking away from the past to secure a brighter future for the country and the continent.
“We have embarked on strong reforms, and there is no turning back. It is in the interest of the entire continent that we prepare for the future with courage, optimism, and the values of our founding fathers,” Tinubu declared, pledging that Macron’s efforts toward Africa would not be in vain.
The President also acknowledged the presence of influential Nigerian entrepreneurs, including Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, as vital players in advancing economic collaboration between the two nations.
In his remarks, President Macron lauded Nigeria’s leadership in Africa, describing the country as a “big brother” to the continent. He highlighted Nigeria’s resilience and contributions to global culture, citing figures like Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and Afrobeat pioneer Femi Kuti as examples of Nigerian excellence.
“Nigeria is a formidable country with talented young people excelling in various fields. President Tinubu has demonstrated transformative leadership in Lagos, and now he is on a mission to uplift Nigeria as a whole,” Macron said.
He further noted France’s longstanding investments in Nigeria’s oil, gas, construction, and food security sectors while pointing to emerging opportunities in solid minerals, technology, and Nollywood.
“Nigeria and France will continue to lead together, forging a path toward progress,” Macron concluded.
The State Dinner capped off a visit marked by significant bilateral agreements aimed at fostering economic growth, enhancing food security, and developing critical infrastructure in Nigeria. Both leaders expressed confidence that their partnership would serve as a model for Africa-Europe collaboration.
