Nigeria, France strengthen ties on trade, security, cultural exchange  

Nigeria and France have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations in key sectors including trade, security, education, and culture.

This was the highlight of a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, held at Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja.

The meeting underscored both countries’ longstanding diplomatic ties, which date back to Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

France remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, with strong collaboration in energy, counter-terrorism, and cultural exchange.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu lauded the cordial relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron, noting that their personal rapport has furthered strategic cooperation.

She reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to implement key Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed during President Tinubu’s state visit to France in November 2024, especially in energy, infrastructure, and education.

Calling for increased French investment, the minister highlighted the growing presence of Nigerian banks—such as Access Bank, Zenith Bank, First Bank, and UBA—in France, describing it as a testament to strengthening financial ties.

She assured the French envoy that Nigeria remains committed to providing a safe, transparent, and investor-friendly business environment.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended France for its support in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, particularly in intelligence sharing and defence collaboration.

She said ongoing military efforts in the North-East, coupled with rehabilitation and de-radicalisation programmes, are aimed at restoring long-term peace and stability.

“We will continue to count on France’s support in the campaign against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria,” she said, while also urging French support for Nigerian candidates in international bodies.

On education, the minister referenced a new student exchange agreement between Nigeria’s Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and Campus France, describing it as a key step toward deepening academic cooperation.

She also raised concerns about irregular migration and its impact on Nigeria’s international image.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated Nigeria’s role as a reliable partner in promoting regional peace, development, and economic growth—especially in the Niger Delta—and assured of a safe environment for French businesses operating in the country.

Ambassador Fonbaustier, accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission Jean-Francoise Hasperue, described Nigeria and France as “strategic mirrors,” sharing similar values of sovereignty, self-reliance, and non-alignment.

He noted that France’s lack of colonial history with Nigeria offers a unique opportunity for balanced collaboration.

He announced two major upcoming cultural initiatives: a Fela Kuti-themed exhibition in Lagos this October, and the Forum Creation Africa, a large-scale cultural event bringing together over 800 French and Nigerian creatives from October 16–18, 2025.

The event will feature concerts, fashion shows, and art exhibitions.

The French envoy also addressed concerns over Nigeria’s image in France, attributing negative perceptions to media narratives on insecurity.

He pledged to help correct these views and boost investor confidence by highlighting ongoing reforms under President Tinubu’s administration, such as foreign exchange unification and fuel subsidy removal.

He concluded by inviting the minister to attend France’s National Day celebration on July 14.