The Consul General of France in Nigeria, Ambassador Laurent Favier is glad that over the years, his country and Nigeria have been good partners in progress, a relationship that has given birth to developmental strides to both countries.
Speaking at an interactive press conference to herald the French Week 2025 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry held on Monday at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, the Consul General Favier applauded the drive of the Nigerian government with its reforms which are indeed creating enabling business environment and deepening the two countries’ bilateral ties, thereby enabling fruitful partnership and growth across all sectors.
Ambassador Favier said: ” The relationship between France and Nigeria transcends diplomacy, it extends into robust business landmarks. French businesses have found Nigeria not only a formidable market but also an innovation hub with limitless potentials.”
According to Favier, “France and Nigeria have a significant trade relationship,with Nigeria being France’s leading trade partner in sub-saharan Africa and fourth-largest in Africa, accounting for about 20 percent of France’s trade with the region. Over 100 French companies have a presence in Nigeria, creating more than 16,000 direct jobs and thousands more indirect jobs.”
The French senior diplomat reveals that French companies such as TotalEnergies continue to expand its investments in the energy sector with its recent $6 billion (around 5.5 billion euros) over several years in the Nigerian energy industry.
“Fanmilk Nigeria, which was acquired by Danone continues to partner with governments of various states and expand its investments in Nigeria with the recently commissioned production line in Ibadan, Oyo State. Schneider Electric reinforces its operations in Nigeria with the commissioning of its new office facility recently and empowering individuals, communities and industries with sustainable energy solutions,” he said.
He also mentioned SPIE Global Services Energy which commissioned a technical training centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while the French Development Agency (AFD) and Proparco continue to support Nigeria’s development funding sustainable projects in Nigeria.
“We just witnessed a perfect case with the inauguration of the “OMI EKO” sustainable water transport project that was funded by AFD, the European Union and the EIB and commissioned in the presence of French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot.
“I want to say that the forthcoming French Week 2025 also creates a platform to further solidify the relationship between both countries with a line-up of high-impact events from 7th November,” he said.
Favier disclosed that some Nigerian financial institutions such as Access Bank Plc, Zenith Bank and UBA Group have set up their presenting France in order to foster trade between Nigeria and Europe with France as the focal point.
“Other Nigerian brands have today become the suppliers of France technology and equipment in energy and agriculture,” he said.
Ambassador Favier emphasised that the target of the relationship with Nigeria is to improve the well-being of the Nigerian people and the economy as France and Nigeria are linked by a joint growth over the years.
To the President of Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gullaime Niarfeix, the Chamber, with the support of the French Embassy, the Consulate, Business France, Economic Service, AFD, Proparco, French Tech and Promosalon, has continued to promote Franco-Nigeria relations and remain the most active bilateral chamber of commerce in Nigeria.
Niarfeix said: “We have seen our members grow to over 500 companies in the past years and remain the only Chamber with a structured support for startups. This year, we had two of those startups attend the VIVATech showcase in Paris through the support of Air France. We have also seen various high-impact events like the CEO Luncheon, CFO Luncheon, Women Luncheon, Startup technical training. All this shows resilience and the drive to add value to our loyal members.”
