Minister woos French investors, showcases Nigeria’s investment appeal in Paris

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has called on French investors to seize the vast opportunities in Nigeria, highlighting ongoing reforms and the country’s promising business landscape under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the Nigeria Business Forum in Paris, hosted by Business France, the Minister outlined key economic reforms designed to boost investor confidence and foster private sector growth.

These include the unification of foreign exchange rates, the removal of fuel subsidies, restructuring of electricity tariffs, tax and trade reforms, and a comprehensive overhaul of digital policies.

Alhaji Idris commended French multinational firms such as TotalEnergies, Danone, and Schneider Electric for their longstanding presence in Nigeria, urging greater collaboration, particularly in agribusiness, manufacturing, and the creative economy.

He positioned Nigeria as Africa’s leading investment destination, backed by 26 years of uninterrupted democracy and a Q1 2024 GDP growth rate of 3.84%. The Minister assured investors of a stable and evolving economic climate supported by pro-business policies.

To strengthen bilateral ties, Alhaji Idris announced plans to engage with top French media and cultural institutions. He also invited French stakeholders to explore emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s creative sector and livestock industry, boosted by the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development.