During a high-profile meeting at the Palais des L’Élysée in Paris, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu told French President Emmanuel Macron that “a starved nation will not care about weather or environment,” stressing the importance of addressing food security as a priority for Africa and Nigeria. Tinubu’s statement underlined the urgency of tackling hunger in the 21st century, where no child should go to bed hungry. He also called for greater international investment in food security and other key sectors in Nigeria, emphasizing the country’s vast agricultural potential.
The Nigerian President highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with France, especially in areas like food security, energy, solid minerals, education, and defense. He pointed out that the country’s financial sector was rapidly evolving, making it an attractive destination for foreign investment, particularly from French businesses. Tinubu also spoke about Nigeria’s potential for investment in the solid minerals sector and its flourishing blue economy, specifically in fisheries, urging French investors to take advantage of these opportunities.
On the issue of education, Tinubu expressed a desire to see French support for training Nigeria’s educated and youthful population. He noted that ensuring food security and educating children would lead to better prospects for the country’s future, adding that providing basic nourishment, like a glass of milk to schoolchildren, would encourage higher school attendance and better educational outcomes.
President Tinubu also called for greater collaboration in tackling security challenges, including migration, noting that Nigeria was ready to partner with France on security operations. In response, President Macron expressed his commitment to deepening the bilateral relationship between France and Nigeria, particularly in the creative industries and youth development. He also praised Nigeria’s leadership under Tinubu and reiterated France’s intention to boost investments in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.