Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron signed two significant agreements in Paris on Thursday, solidifying a collaboration to build crucial infrastructure and ensure long-term agriculture and food security.
The agreements were signed at an economic event at the Palais des Élysées attended by business executives, industry captains, state governors, and top officials from both nations as part of President Tinubu’s state visit.
During the occasion, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa Group, and Antoine Armand, French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, signed an agreement allowing UBA to start operations in Paris. Similarly, Zenith Bank began offering services in France.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed these developments in a statement titled ‘Nigeria, France Sign Letters of Intent on Critical Infrastructure as Zenith Bank Opens Paris Branch.’
Mr Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, and Mr Armand signed a Letter of Intent to reaffirm their commitment to investing in important areas such as healthcare, transportation, agriculture, renewable energy, and human capital development. The financial and technical support package, totaling more than €300 million, would be divided across all of Nigeria’s geographical zones.
The declaration also emphasized both nations’ commitment to fostering a strategic partnership in project implementation, eliminating economic hurdles, and protecting labor rights.
