France marks National Day with push for deeper Nigeria economic, trade ties

 

 

France marked its National Day on Monday with a renewed push to deepen economic and trade ties with Nigeria, its largest partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Laurent Favier, consul general of France in Lagos, during the celebration said that the French bilateral cooperation with Nigeria has gained “remarkable momentum” in recent years, backed by high-level exchanges and new agreements across trade, culture, education and infrastructure.

The French National Day commemorates the historic transition of France from monarchy to republic and embodies the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity, which became the motto of the French Republic. It is celebrated annually on 14 July.

Nigeria remains France’s top destination for investment in West Africa, accounting for about 60 percent of the total. More than 100 French companies operate in Nigeria and employ over 16,000 Nigerians, according to data released by the Consulate.

The French Development Agency, AFD, has been central to that push. Over 17 years it has supported 57 projects across 23 states with more than €3.3 billion in financing, including over €1.1 billion through its private-sector arm Proparco.

Its portfolio spans water, electricity, agriculture and transport, and now includes Expertise France to deliver technical cooperation.

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In Lagos, AFD is funding Omi Eko, Africa’s first electric inland waterway transport system, aimed at cutting congestion and transport costs.

At the federal level, over one million Nigerians have gained access to safe drinking water through French-backed projects, with more benefiting from improved power and rural infrastructure.

The partnership is also expanding beyond traditional sectors. France and Nigeria signed multiple MoUs over the past year targeting job creation and entrepreneurship in vocational training, digital innovation, e-sports and the creative industries.

The Creation Africa Forum held in Lagos in October 2025 brought together artists, investors and policymakers to build creative ecosystems in music, film, animation, fashion and gaming.

Energy remains a core of trade. Business France led an Oil & Gas mission to Nigeria in June 2026 with a dozen French firms, while the French Treasury is funding a pilot for small hydroelectric plants in Katsina.

Favier said “Team France” — including Business France, AFD, the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Campus France — will continue working to convert political goodwill into investment and jobs.”

“France reaffirms its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s growth, innovation and sustainable development,” he said.