Nigeria is set to highlight its economic achievements under President Bola Tinubu’s administration at the upcoming France Business Forum in Paris, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Idris received an official invitation to the forum from the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, during a courtesy visit to his office.
This development was confirmed in a statement issued by the minister’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim.
Idris pointed to key economic improvements, such as stabilizing the naira and a decline in food prices, as evidence of the positive impact of Tinubu’s economic reforms.
He expressed optimism that the forum would provide an opportunity to showcase these achievements and reaffirm the President’s commitment to economic growth in 2025.
“We will use the platform of the France Business Forum to take the message of consolidation that the President is desirous to give us this year.
“This year, 2025, is the year of economic and social consolidation of the Nigerian nation as promised by Mr. President. As you have heard severally, the economy is beginning to turn the corner. Food prices that were hitherto higher are beginning to come down.
“The exchange rate is beginning to show signs of stability and all the reform agenda of Mr. President that he has embarked upon are beginning to show signs that they are really getting the desired attention and that by God’s grace, we will reach our destination,” he stated.
Acknowledging the difficulties that often accompany economic reforms, the minister praised Tinubu’s leadership, noting that Nigeria’s transition has been smoother than similar efforts in other nations.
He attributed this to the President’s determination and pragmatic approach.
“Every country that has embarked on any kind of social and economic reform will go through some turbulence and I think that our own incubation period has been shortened by the kind of pragmatism, the focus, determination and conviction that President Bola Tinubu has that this reform will indeed take Nigeria on the path of sustainable prosperity,” Idris added.
He also underscored the importance of Nigeria’s relationship with France, calling for continued support in strengthening the ongoing reforms.
He commended French President Emmanuel Macron for extending a rare state visit to Tinubu in November 2024, an exceptional diplomatic gesture.
In response, Ambassador Fonbaustier reiterated France’s commitment to deepening its collaboration with Nigeria, particularly in public communication and information management.
He highlighted the need to implement agreements reached during Tinubu’s visit to France and expressed confidence in the growing partnership between both nations.
“We have to ensure that there is a practical follow-up of the State Visit of President Bola Tinubu in Paris in November.
“The two presidents have set up together an ambitious roadmap so that we can scale up the partnership and in that regard, communication and information are crucial and where France can provide hopefully some support, capabilities, and know-how,” Fonbaustier stated.
He further praised Idris for his contributions to Nigeria’s public communication landscape, describing him as a “game-changer” and acknowledging his role in promoting Nigeria’s investment potential to French business leaders expected at the forum on April 10, 2025.
