President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for stronger partnerships to address food security and unlock Nigeria’s economic potential. During his visit to France, Tinubu met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais de l’Élysée, where he emphasized that hunger must be tackled before nations can focus on issues like climate change.
“No child in the 21st century should go to bed hungry,” Tinubu stated, urging international investors to support Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He highlighted the nation’s vast but underutilized resources, describing Nigeria as open for business with a welcoming environment for foreign investments.
Tinubu explained that Nigeria’s financial sector is evolving to support private sector investments, particularly in agriculture and food production. “We are creating a food security program to attract private investments into the country,” he said, adding that the nation is making steady progress toward economic stability.
The President also discussed Nigeria’s youthful population, describing them as educated and ready for entrepreneurial training. He called on France to support skills development programs for Nigerian youth, which would create a skilled workforce ready to meet global challenges.
On security, Tinubu said Nigeria is prepared to collaborate with France on migration challenges. He also underscored the potential in Nigeria’s blue economy, especially in fisheries, urging French investors to explore these opportunities.
President Macron praised Tinubu’s vision and leadership, reaffirming France’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria. Macron highlighted the importance of joint efforts in tackling humanitarian issues and fostering economic development in West Africa.
The meeting ended with both leaders agreeing to deepen collaborations in critical sectors, including solid minerals, energy, and creative industries. President Macron also pledged to encourage French companies to invest in Nigeria, boosting economic growth and creating more opportunities for its citizens.
