Nigeria, France Reach $475m Agreement on Infrastructural Projects

Nigeria, France Reach $475m Agreement on Infrastructural Projects

Nigeria and France yesterday signed a number of agreement s on projects worth $475 million following the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron.

In a meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and Macron in Abuja that took far-reaching decisions on security and the economy, the deal will cover projects in Lagos, Kano and Ogun states.

Buhari and Macron witnessed the signing of a letter of intent by the Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) CEO, Mr. Remy Rioux, and Minister of Finance Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, in presence of the French Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Denys Gauer.

At the joint news conference, Buhari said: “Our discussion is around security, especially in the Sahel, the economy of the region and how it can be successfully and politically integrated.

“What France is doing, we all know is trying to stabilise the region, especially in dealing with the G5.” he said

Macron thanked President Buhari for welcoming him and his entourage to Nigeria.

He said: “It is very emotional for me to come back after 15 to 17 years, especially in Abuja. I spent few months; it was with a different President and in a very different context.

“Being in your country after visiting China, India…., this country is very important to France and very important to me. It’s also speaking about a country where its democratic experience is a great example in Africa.

He said France was interested in the stability of the north and north-east and the entire Chad Basin battling with Islamist insurgency.