Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has announced that the country will take the opportunity of the upcoming France Business Forum in Paris to highlight the significant economic progress made under President Tinubu’s leadership.

This announcement was made during a meeting in Abuja with the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Marc Fonbaustier, who invited Nigeria to participate in the forum. The Minister shared that President Tinubu’s efforts to reform the economy are showing real results. For example, food prices are beginning to fall, and the Naira, Nigeria’s currency, is becoming more stable. Idris stated, “We will use the France-Nigeria Business Forum to share the message that President Tinubu wants to send this year about building on our economic successes. The year 2025 has been set as a time for strengthening our economy and society, as promised by the President. Many are noticing that the economy is starting to improve, and food prices, which were high before, have now started to decrease.

The exchange rate is starting to stabilize, and the reform initiatives launched by Mr. President are gaining the attention they deserve. With a bit of divine favor, we are optimistic about reaching our goals, he stated. The Minister acknowledged that socio-economic reforms often face initial hurdles, but President Tinubu’s unwavering dedication has notably reduced this challenging phase, resulting in visible economic progress. “Every nation that undertakes social and economic reforms experiences some level of disruption, and I believe our adjustment period has been expedited due to the pragmatism, focus, determination, and conviction that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu possesses.

This reform will undoubtedly guide Nigeria toward lasting prosperity,” he remarked. The Minister emphasized France’s importance as a vital partner for Nigeria and urged the French government to back President Tinubu’s reform initiatives to enhance economic and bilateral ties. He also expressed appreciation for French President Emmanuel Macron, who honored President Tinubu with a state visit last November, highlighting that such an honor is rare for a visiting leader. The Minister reassured the visiting envoy that Nigeria is fully committed to executing all Memoranda of Understanding established with the French government during President Tinubu’s trip to France. Idris also praised Ambassador Fonbaustier for his dedicated work in strengthening Nigeria-France relations during his brief tenure in Nigeria.

Ambassador Fonbaustier mentioned that his meeting with the Minister was focused on creating a plan to carry out the agreements made by Presidents Macron and Tinubu during Tinubu’s visit to France last year. He assured that the French government would support the ministry in improving public communication technology and skills. “We need to make sure we effectively follow up on President Bola Tinubu’s State Visit to Paris in November. The two presidents have created an ambitious plan to strengthen our partnership, and communication is key. France aims to offer support, skills, and expertise in this area,” he stated. He also praised the Minister as a transformative figure in Nigeria’s public communication, highlighting that his experience and role in the Tinubu administration position him well to showcase Nigeria’s economic potential and investment opportunities to French business leaders, who will gather in Paris for the France-Business Forum on April 10, 2025.