The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, says the recent engagement between President Bola Tinubu and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, is a sign of good things that will happen to the Nigerian economy.
Tinubu, who is in France on a state visit, had a meeting with Macron on Thursday where some deals were signed between both countries.
Edun is part of the President’s delegation to France and he spoke exclusively with Channels Television from the European country on Friday, noting that the engagement between the two leaders “bodes well for employment, creation of jobs and growth of the Nigerian industry.”
He said that the clear message from Tinubu to Macron was that with his ongoing reforms starting to reset and stabilize the economy and prepare it for investments, Nigeria is very much open for business.
On the part of Macron, Edun noted that the French leader encouraged his country’s public and private sectors to do more to help Nigeria’s economy with their investments.
According to him, both countries committed to partner in areas of agriculture, finance, housing, technology and many others.
“Essentially, in a wide range discussions which included a number of ministers from both sides and both countries’ leaders, there is commitment from both sides to engage in agriculture, in development of initiatives to improve food security.
“In area of solid minerals, MoU was signed between the two minerals in charge of solid minerals, likewise in the finance sector,” Edun said.
The Finace Minister said the agreements covers all areas from infrastructure, healthcare, technology, housing to several other sectors.
He added that there is a marching order on both sides to deepen relationships between the two public sectors as well as a call for French businessmen to take advantage of opportunities now unfolding as Nigeria’s economy stabilizes.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has lauded the amicable relations with French President Emmanuel Macron, appreciating his interest in Africa.
Tinubu expressed confidence that Macron’s goodwill would foster stronger bilateral ties, benefiting the entire continent.
During a State Dinner organised by the French government for President Tinubu at Palais des Elysée in Paris on Thursday night, the Nigerian leader encouraged both Nigerian and French citizens to uphold the cordial relationship shared by their nations.