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
