PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to France marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria-France relations, with the two nations signing agreements worth $300 million to boost critical infrastructure, renewable energy, transportation, agriculture, and healthcare in Nigeria. The state visit, Tinubu’s first to France, also saw a pact to enhance food security and develop Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
While the agreements aim to attract much-needed investments to revitalise Nigeria’s struggling economy, the deals have drawn mixed reactions from analysts and stakeholders.
Ahmed Buhari, a political analyst, expressed scepticism, highlighting France’s controversial legacy in West Africa.
‘We’re partnering with France, which has been responsible for countries like Chad, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Despite their involvement, we haven’t seen significant development in those places for over a century,’ Buhari noted.
Strategic partnerships amid regional shifts
The deals come at a critical time for France, which is seeking to rebuild influence in West Africa following military coups in former allies Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. However, some experts argue that Nigeria’s relationship with France should not be compared to those in the Sahel.
Chris Kwaja, an Abuja-based political analyst, defended the partnership. ‘The fractured relationship between France and the Sahel does not define the future of Nigeria-France ties. Every country seeks strategic partnerships, and Nigeria is no exception,’ he told VOA.
Concerns over exploitation
Eze Onyekpere, an economist and founder of the Centre for Social Justice, on the other hand, urged vigilance to ensure Nigeria benefits equitably from the agreements. ‘France’s track record of mineral exploitation in the Sahel raises concerns. It’s critical that these deals are checked to guarantee they serve both countries’ interests fairly,’ he said.
Banks expand footprint
Beyond government agreements, Nigerian banks Zenith and United Bank for Africa (UBA) signed deals to expand operations into France, reflecting the growing economic ties between the two nations. Nigeria remains France’s top trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, making the partnership strategically significant.
Broader implications
The agreements signal a renewed focus on economic cooperation, but analysts warn that Nigeria must tread carefully, ensuring that the deals foster genuine development and avoid the pitfalls of exploitation seen elsewhere in the region.
As Tinubu seeks to reposition Nigeria as a prime destination for investment, the success of these deals will depend on their implementation and the transparency of the partnership.
