France has reaffirmed its commitment to deepen economic and diplomatic ties with Nigeria, as Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) celebrated its 40th anniversary of promoting bilateral trade and investment between France and Nigeria.
Speaking at a briefing in Lagos, Consul General of France in Nigeria, Laurent Favier, hailed the partnership between both countries, describing Nigeria as France’s leading trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa.
Favier said the trade between France and Nigeria represented 20 per cent of France’s trade with the region, with over 600 French businesses in Nigeria and creating over 16,000 direct jobs.
“French businesses have found Nigeria not only a formidable market, but also an innovation hub with huge potential,” he said.
He praised Nigeria for the economic reforms aimed at improving the business environment and encouraging foreign investment.
The consul general highlighted major French investments in Nigeria, including TotalEnergies’ plan to invest $6 billion in the energy sector, Danone/Fanmilk’s expansion in Oyo State, Schneider Electric’s new office facility, and SPIE Global Services Energy’s training centre in Port Harcourt.
Favier also acknowledged Nigerian companies such as Access Bank, Zenith Bank and UBA for establishing operations in France, reinforcing bilateral trade.
He pointed to development support from the French Development Agency (AFD) and Proparco, citing the recent Omi Eko water transport project inaugurated in Lagos.
“We just witnessed perfect case with the inauguration of ‘omi eko’ sustainable water transport project that was funded by AFD , EU and EIB and inaugurated in the presence of the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot.
“The French government remains committed to strengthening this partnership between our two nations. We will continue to invest in initiative that promotes sustainable development, technology transfer and economic growth, thereby creating jobs and fostering inclusive prosperity,” he said.
President of the FNCCI, Guillaume Niarfeix, described the chamber as the most active bilateral trade body in Nigeria, boasting over 500 member-companies and strong backing from French institutions, including Business France, AFD, Proparco, French Tech, and the Embassy.
Dignitaries present at conference were Consul General of France in Lagos, Laurent Favier; President France-Nigeria Chamber of commerce and industry;
Director Business France/Commercial Counsellor French Embassy, Maxime Bieliaeff; Regional Director PROPARCO,Xavier Echasseriau; Economic Counsellor,French Embassy Lagos , Laura Marie; Director General, France-Nigeria Chamber of commerce and Industry,Moses Imoru; Economic Officer-Regional Economic Department, Claire Lavielle.
