President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to France from November 27-29, 2024, aimed to bolster diplomatic relations and foster collaboration between the two countries. Yet, back in Nigeria, the trip has sparked considerable debate. Critics are questioning the frequency of Tinubu’s trips to Paris and his close ties with the French government, which is often criticized for its colonial and neo-colonial practices that have hindered Africa’s economic progress and integration. Opponents caution that such high-level interactions could entrench Nigeria in a pattern of unequal agreements and skewed Memoranda of Understanding, perpetuating its role as a primary exporter of raw materials while increasing reliance on imported manufactured goods—thus worsening its economic challenges. France’s persistent and exploitative influence over its former African colonies is a significant factor contributing to their ongoing economic dependency and poverty. This raises alarms as France renews its engagement with Nigeria, a country that is twice its size in terms of land area. Also, several of France’s former colonies are Nigeria’s immediate neighbors, making their political and economic situations directly pertinent to Nigeria’s peace and security.
The term Françafrique describes the intricate relationships between France and its former colonies in Francophone Africa. It highlights a network of personal connections between French leaders and their African counterparts, primarily driven by political and personal interests rather than a commitment to genuine economic development. Two key aspects of the detrimental Françafrique policy include military defense cooperation agreements and economic partnerships with France’s former colonies. Until recently, these military agreements ensured the presence of French military bases in 23 African nations, acting as tools to protect France’s strategic economic and political interests on the continent. These bases empowered local leaders to cling to power unconstitutionally, often against the wishes of their citizens, as evidenced in Niger and Mali prior to the recent surge of military coups. Consequently, initiatives aimed at fostering democracy and good governance across the continent faced significant setbacks. However, the cancellation of these agreements and the expulsion of French troops by military leaders in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have diminished this coercive aspect of French influence in Africa. In a surprising development, countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Chad, and Senegal have also called for the removal of French military bases from their lands.
This arrangement is designed to maintain the stability of the franc’s convertibility, which is supported by France, but it does so at the cost of individual nations’ monetary and exchange rate policies. The harrowing Algerian struggle for independence from France led to the loss of 1.5 million Algerian lives and numerous human rights violations. Furthermore, Haiti was pressured into paying 100 million francs (around USD 21 billion) to France as a prerequisite for the recognition of its independence in 1825. These incidents represent some of the darkest moments in the history of French colonialism and its enduring consequences. Nigeria will not easily forget France’s retaliatory actions that undermined its sovereignty and territorial integrity by recognizing and supporting the secessionist Biafra during the civil war. This occurred after Nigeria declared the French Ambassador persona non grata, severing diplomatic ties with France in response to France’s nuclear tests in the Algerian Sahara, which went against the wishes of most African nations. Additionally, France, in collaboration with Luxembourg, opposed Nigeria’s 1966 trade agreement with the European Economic Community, which was crucial for enhancing its exports following Britain’s entry into the trade bloc.
France’s colonial and neo-colonial actions in Africa, along with its historical interference in Nigeria’s sovereignty and leadership within ECOWAS, have long created a shadow of distrust and competition in Franco-Nigerian relations. However, the past does not have to dictate the future. It is essential for both nations to draw valuable lessons from history and progress with a shared vision—one that fosters genuine mutual benefits. Since his election in 2017, President Emmanuel Macron has emerged as a forward-thinking leader, willing to confront France’s troubling history. Despite a misguided attempt to hinder ECOWAS’s efforts toward a unified currency, his initial actions indicated a commitment to transforming traditional relations. He honored his promise to “return African heritage to Africa” by repatriating 26 artifacts taken by the French colonial forces to the Benin Republic in 2021. This move sparked similar initiatives aimed at returning looted African art from Europe and North America to their rightful homes, including Nigeria. Macron’s visit to Nigeria in July 2018 further highlighted his intention to establish a new era of collaboration and economic partnership with Nigeria. According to the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Nigeria represented 20 percent of France’s trade with Sub-Saharan Africa in 2021, making it the fourth-largest trading partner after Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria is also home to over 100 active French companies, led by TotalEnergies, a major player in the oil and gas sector, and a key recipient of French foreign direct investment in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A major outcome of the 2018 visit was the establishment of a French-Nigerian investment club designed to enhance business collaboration. This club brought together influential leaders from the private sectors of both nations. As a result of this partnership, Nigeria’s banking industry has greatly benefited, with prominent banks like Access Bank, United Bank for Africa, and Zenith Bank making their inaugural appearances in Paris during President Tinubu’s state visit in 2024. Data from the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics indicates that trade between France and Nigeria has continued to rise in the first half of 2024, with Nigerian exports to France surpassing N3.9 trillion (approximately $2.4 billion). This solidifies France as Nigeria’s leading export market, outpacing Spain and the Netherlands. President Ahmed Tinubu’s recent trip opened doors for further enhancing trade and economic collaboration in vital sectors for Nigeria, such as agriculture, energy, solid minerals, and the blue economy. This commitment was highlighted by the agreements signed between the two countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding solid minerals establishes a partnership dedicated to the development of essential minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are crucial for the progress of clean energy technologies. The two nations will also work together on research initiatives, training programs, and student exchange opportunities to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology. Key elements of the agreement include a pledge to engage in sustainable mining practices that minimize environmental harm, collaborative extractive projects, and the rehabilitation of more than 2,000 abandoned mining sites throughout Nigeria, utilizing France’s expertise in sustainable mining. Furthermore, there is a commitment to invest over 300 million Euros in financial and technical initiatives in Nigeria, which will include ongoing support for agriculture and food security.
Amid the ongoing economic reforms in Nigeria, which are accompanied by significant challenges and a backdrop of widespread poverty and insecurity, it is imperative for the nation to prioritize economic growth, improve infrastructure, and generate employment opportunities. These initiatives are vital for alleviating poverty and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. Moreover, establishing stronger international partnerships will further bolster these efforts. While Nigeria should remain aware of the evolving relationships among the three former colonies and their historical connections to France, it must not let the actions of unelected leaders in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger who have shifted their allegiance towards Russia for their strategic purposes—dictate its ties with France or influence its broader foreign policy. Therefore, Nigeria’s foreign policy should be firmly rooted in its core security, economic, and political interests, both within Africa and on the global stage. Nigeria needs to continue supporting the African Union’s peacekeeping and trade initiatives, including the African Continental Free Trade Area. However, to expedite its economic growth and development, Nigeria must also explore opportunities beyond the African continent, diversifying its trade and investment approaches.
