Tinubu, Macron sign €300m deals on infrastructure, agriculture, food security

Nigeria and France have signed a partnership on the development of critical infrastructure and the long-term sustenance of agriculture and food security, worth €300 million.

Presidency spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed this in a statement after President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron signed the two agreements on Thursday in Paris, France.

Earlier, President Tinubu and President Macron witnessed the signing of the agreement by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group Chairman Tony Elumelu and Mr. Antoine Armand, the French Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry for the bank to commence operations in Paris.

According to the statement signed by Onanuga, Zenith Bank also inaugurated its services in the country during the visit.

The partnership agreements were signed at an economic forum attended by businessmen, captains of industry, governors, and some top government officials of both countries at the Palais des Elysée in Paris, France, during President Tinubu’s state visit.

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and Mr. Armand signed the Letter of Intent.

The document read, “The two countries affirmed their commitment to work together on investment and development of critical infrastructure, healthcare transportation, agricultural value chain, renewable energy, and human capital development, through diverse financial and technical assistance programmes, of over Euros 300 million spread across all geopolitical zones in the country.

“The two countries committed to forge a strategic relationship in project implementation and enhance mutual trade and cross border services by removing fiscal barriers while protecting labour rights.”

Onanuga said the Minister of Finance, Edun, and Chief Executive Officer of the French Development Agency (AFD), Mr. Remi Rioux, signed another Letter of Intent to support the Renewed Hope Agenda reforms designed to stimulate and strengthen the economy.

“The Declaration”, the document stated, “ set out the enduring relationship between the AFD and the FRN, and the AFD’s continuing commitment to support the socio-economic growth of Nigeria through financing sustainable projects in urban infrastructure development, transportation network, housing infrastructure, human capital development through improved education specifically in STEM, agriculture, food security and healthcare.”

The AFD reaffirmed its commitment to long-term support of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu on energy access and transition, sustainable agriculture and food security by financing the improvement of agro-logistic hubs.

Importantly, Onanuga said the AFD committed to supporting the real sector by providing capital from MSME in high-impact sectors.

He added that Nigeria also affirmed its support for the projects financed by the AFD and committed to ensuring that the implementation of the projects is expedited efficiently.