Minister Highlights Nigeria’s Investment Appeal, Woos French Companies
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has appealed to French investors to tap into the country’s vast economic potential.
In a statement by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister said the Minister noted that Nigeria Business Forum in Paris, Idris highlighted Nigeria’s ambitious economic reforms, dynamic market potential, and investor-friendly environment.
He emphasized that Nigeria is undergoing an “unprecedented journey of reform,” driven by the Renewed Hope Agenda, an eight-point strategic plan aimed at unlocking the nation’s economic potential.
“We must brace up for the future with commitment and optimism, and with the courage of our founding fathers,” Idris quoted President Tinubu, reaffirming Nigeria’s unwavering reform agenda.
The Minister underscored the country’s unique investment appeal, including its status as Africa’s largest economy, a population exceeding 220 million, and over 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
He also highlighted key reforms, such as the unification and stabilization of the foreign exchange regime, phasing out fuel subsidies, and tax reforms, aimed at promoting transparency and ease of doing business.
Idris noted that the government is acting as a catalyst for private sector growth through strategic initiatives like the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CrediCorp).
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He also invited French companies to explore new opportunities in Nigeria’s livestock sector, particularly with the newly established Ministry for Livestock Development.
“These historic reforms are building a more competitive, transparent, and investor-friendly economy, positioning Nigeria as the gateway to Africa’s booming consumer market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Idris said.
The Minister highlighted several key reforms aimed at promoting transparency, ease of doing business, and private-sector-led growth.
These include the unification and stabilization of the foreign exchange regime, phasing out fuel subsidies, tax reforms, and digital reforms. Additionally, the government has launched strategic initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CrediCorp) to leverage private sector investments in infrastructure and consumer credit.
The Minister also noted the expansion of Nigerian banks into Europe, including new offices in Paris, and projected increased Nigerian presence in France across creative industries, media, and technology.
The Nigerian government is working to strengthen ties with French companies, including TotalEnergies, Lafarge, and Danone, which have existing operations in Nigeria.
Minister Idris also highlighted opportunities for French companies to explore new avenues in Nigeria’s livestock sector, particularly with the newly established Ministry for Livestock Development.
He cited Danone’s global leadership in dairy products and noted the potential for deeper engagement in this space. The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering reform agenda and echoed President Tinubu’s message during his 2024 visit to France, emphasizing the need for commitment, optimism, and courage in embracing the future.
