Tinubu transforming Nigeria like he did in Lagos, says Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron has praised Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for applying the same transformative leadership he demonstrated in Lagos towards advancing Nigeria’s development.

Speaking at a joint press conference on Thursday during Tinubu’s official visit to France, Macron acknowledged Tinubu’s efforts in fostering bilateral relations and enhancing security within the ECOWAS region.

“President Tinubu’s leadership inspires confidence in both French and international business communities, positioning Nigeria as a prime destination for investment,” Macron stated.

“I would like to congratulate you for your leadership and the desire for us to work together. I would like to thank you Mr. President for your presence, on the state visit. I’d like to thank you for your energy and dynamism.

“Having transformed the state of Lagos, you’re using that energy to transform your country for the better.

“The energy that we have felt among your ministers, investors and business communities, has completely convinced us the French and also the whole business world to invest in your country and make Nigeria a major partner for now and for the future,” Macron said.

Multi-sectoral Partnership with Nigeria
In addition, Macron expressed France’s eagerness to establish a multi-sectoral partnership with the Nigerian government, encompassing agreements in health, the creative industries, and climate change.

The French leader highlighted Nigeria’s strengthened partnership with France, noting that the country serves as a business hub for numerous Nigerian financial institutions.

He further stated that France seeks to develop a longer-term collaboration with Nigeria, focusing on key areas such as food security, mining, and defense.

“In each of these sectors, we have defined some lines of action in terms of critical minerals and energy, we will be signing some supplementary agreements. In the last few years, I’m glad to see the partnership we have signed with the strengthening of Nigerian banking in our country in the last five years.

“We have become the business hub for Nigerian business in France. Many banks have opened their offices here. We have financial partnerships.

“Apart from this economic partnership which makes France a long-term partner with you, we also want to partner with you on food security and the extraction of your minerals and be a partner of your defense strategy,” Macron said.