Nigeria will use the upcoming France Business Forum in Paris to showcase the economic progress achieved under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Idris made the statement on Friday in Abuja when he received the invitation to the forum from the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, during a courtesy visit to his office.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the minister’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, on Friday.
Idris emphasised that Tinubu’s reform agenda is yielding tangible results, citing reductions in food prices and the stabilisation of the naira as key indicators of the administration’s economic success.
He expressed confidence that the forum would serve as a platform to highlight the achievements made so far and the President’s commitment to further economic consolidation 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 said.
The minister acknowledged that socio-economic reforms often come with challenges but praised Tinubu’s determination and pragmatic approach in overcoming these hurdles quickly, leading to visible economic improvements.
He noted that other countries that undertake similar reforms often face turbulence, but Nigeria’s reform process has been relatively smoother thanks to the President’s focus and leadership.
The minister noted, ‘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,’ he said.
Idris also underscored the importance of France as a key ally and urged the French government to continue supporting the ongoing reforms to further strengthen the bilateral ties between both nations.
He also commended French President Emmanuel Macron for granting Tinubu a rare state visit in November of the previous year, which was an uncommon gesture for a visiting Head of State.
In his remarks, Fonbaustier explained that the purpose of his visit was to discuss the implementation of agreements made during Tinubu’s visit to France.
He reaffirmed France’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s public communication capabilities, offering support in the form of technology and expertise.
‘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,’ he said.
The ambassador further praised Idris for his significant role in Nigeria’s public communication efforts, describing him as a “game-changer” and emphasising his strategic position in promoting Nigeria’s economic potential and investment opportunities to business leaders from France, who are set to attend the France Business Forum in Paris on 10 April, 2025.
