By Merit Ibe
Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has lauded the socio cultural relation between both countries with a view to cementing the ties. President of the chamber, Usman Mohammed, stated this in Lagos recently, noting that France’s business and economic interest has continued to grow as Nigeria is France’s leading trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa and the fourth-largest in Africa, behind Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. He said today, Nigeria accounts for about 20 percent of France’s trade with sub-Saharan Africa, amounting to an estimate of €3.53 billion.
“The French government through its development agencies are financing various projects across the country in line with Sustainable Goals Agenda (SDG’s). Late last year, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) signed a €25 million grant agreement for the Northern Corridor project co-financed by the European Union for power generation, also currently working with the Federal government of Nigeria to fund the creative sector with about 100 million Euros.
“French companies in Nigeria also remained committed to doing business and impacting the environment.
We see brands like TotalEnergies impact projects covering power, healthcare, education, etc. with huge investment in the upstream sector of the Nigerian economy, Fanmilk (Danone) with huge investments in backward integration for the production of dairy milk for their products and the commissioning of its modern dairy farm in Odeda, Ogun State, Schneider Electric Nigeria is empowering local communities by promoting local sustainability initiatives and educational support, SPIE oil and gas training programmes for young Nigerians in various skill areas and Access Bank Nigeria now with a functioning office in Paris with initiatives to ensure flow of economic activities between both countries.”
Mohammed also stressed the efforts and activities of other economic players like, Business France; leading French business delegations to Nigeria in various sectors for prospection, the Economic Department of the Embassy and the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry which have supported the growth of French-Nigeria business relations in Nigeria.
The President didn’t fail to mention the impact being made by the Chamber in the promotion of the France-Nigeria business relationship. He recounted the high-impact initiatives being carried out by the Chamber, which included trade missions to France, high-level networking events, meetings with key government agencies, and support for the Chamber’s start-ups.