• Out-of-school children to return with skills development focus
• Macron praises Tinubu’s leadership, seeks stronger France-Nigeria relations
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to tackling pressing national challenges, including out-of-school children, food security, and economic transformation, during high-level discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des Élysée. The visit, hailed as a diplomatic milestone, showcased Nigeria's readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation and attract foreign investments.
Education: A pillar for Nigeria's future
President Tinubu emphasized his administration’s resolve to reduce Nigeria's out-of-school children through strategic initiatives that combine formal education with skills acquisition programs. "We are gradually re-populating classrooms, but for those who have been out of school for long, skills development is crucial," he said.
Accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the President highlighted the challenges posed by insecurity in some regions but noted significant progress in creating safer environments. He stressed that a well-educated population is essential for Nigeria’s development, calling on global partners to support educational reforms.
In response, President Macron lauded Tinubu's vision, drawing from his own experiences in Nigeria during a six-month internship at the French Embassy. Macron pledged to strengthen educational partnerships between France and Nigeria, especially in youth development initiatives.
Food Security: Investing in Nigeria’s agricultural potential
President Tinubu also underscored the urgent need to bolster Nigeria's food security by leveraging untapped agricultural potential. He urged French investors to capitalize on Nigeria's evolving financial sector, which now facilitates foreign direct investment.
“We cannot afford to have a starving population,” he said, adding that efforts to stabilize the agricultural sector would ensure sustainable growth. Tinubu proposed initiatives such as providing milk to schoolchildren to encourage attendance and reduce hunger-related educational barriers.
Solid Minerals and Energy: Unlocking Nigeria’s economic strength
Another key focus was Nigeria's vast solid minerals reserves and energy potential. Tinubu advocated for de-risking investments in solid minerals to attract global partnerships. "We have the resources and are building the structures to ensure that investments in these sectors are both safe and profitable," he noted.
The President also highlighted opportunities in Nigeria's blue economy, particularly in fisheries, which remain underexplored. “In Lagos, we have tamed the Atlantic Ocean. Fisheries offer massive investment opportunities,” he said.
Macron assured Tinubu of France's support, noting that agreements signed during the visit would catalyze solid minerals development.
Security: A shared responsibility
On security, Tinubu called for collective efforts to address global terrorism and migration challenges. “Nigeria is ready to partner with France for enhanced security operations,” he said. Macron echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for collaborative solutions to humanitarian crises.
Deepening France-Nigeria relations
The dialogue between the leaders signaled a renewed commitment to France-Nigeria relations. Macron praised Tinubu’s transformative economic policies and leadership, pledging France’s support in areas like creative industries and regional development through ECOWAS.
“You are a great leader of a great country,” Macron said. “We trust your vision to strengthen our partnership and bring collective success to both nations.”
A visionary blueprint for collaboration
President Tinubu’s visit marked a turning point in bilateral ties, as both leaders committed to leveraging their nations’ strengths for mutual benefit. The engagements set the stage for increased investments and strategic partnerships that could redefine the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria and beyond.
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