The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of

Nigeria to France, Dr Modupe Irele, on Monday disclosed that there were

currently about 120 French businesses located in different parts of

Nigeria.

Irele told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that Nigerians

were also prepared to go into partnership with more French companies

in adding value to Nigerian products.

“Nigeria is France’s largest trading partner in Africa. There are

currently approximately about 120 French businesses that are active in

Nigeria.

“And Nigerian businesses are increasingly seeking out those

partnerships that would add value to the diversification

drive, and improve the quality of non-oil exports.

“Nigerians want partnership in improving the quality of cocoa

butter, fat and oil, frozen shrimps and prawns, ginger, sesame seeds,

among others.

“The French, like many other business people, are showing interest in

Nigeria’s drive to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria,’’

she said.

According to her, Nigeria currently remains France’s fifth-largest

supplier of natural hydrocarbons and its leading supplier in

sub-Saharan Africa.

She said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Paris during the

One Planet Summit, had presented the opportunity for France and Nigeria to

further strengthen their bilateral relations.

Irele said that the Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who

was on the President’s entourage used the opportunity to meet with

French officials on how to promote agricultural development in his

state.

“The meeting was aimed at promoting the development of agriculture in

the state.

“It was also to facilitate large scale production of cash and food

crops, especially tree species, used to produce the most exotic

timber in Nigeria,’’ she said.

Photo: Vice President Osinbajo in France, recently