France has reaffirmed its strong and enduring partnership with Nigeria, unveiling a series of strategic initiatives designed to deepen bilateral cooperation, promote sustainable development, and strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two nations. Central to this renewed commitment is the launch of the €410 million Omi Eko Project in Lagos, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at decarbonising lagoon transport and transforming urban mobility across Africa’s most populous city.
During an official visit to Abuja and Lagos, the French envoy underscored that France and Nigeria remain “two privileged partners,” united by mutual respect, strategic autonomy, and a shared vision for multilateral cooperation. The visit represents the latest chapter in a relationship that has grown steadily since President Emmanuel Macron’s 2018 visit to Nigeria and was further bolstered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent trip to France, where both nations pledged to strengthen collaboration in the areas of trade, innovation, energy transition, and culture.
The Omi Eko Project is a landmark initiative that showcases France’s commitment to supporting sustainable infrastructure and environmental innovation in Africa. Under the project, 75 fully electric boats will be deployed across 15 routes spanning 140 kilometres, creating a modern and efficient water transport network across Lagos’ lagoon system. Once fully operational, the system is expected to transport over 100,000 passengers daily, reducing traffic congestion while cutting 41,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. According to the French envoy, the project is not only a milestone in Nigeria’s transportation development but also a symbol of France’s long-term vision to promote green growth and low-carbon cities across Africa.
Beyond infrastructure, France’s engagement with Nigeria continues to expand across education, culture, and innovation. The envoy highlighted the ongoing renovation of Lycée Pasteur, one of France’s two major secondary schools in Nigeria, as a reflection of the country’s investment in education and its dedication to nurturing people-to-people connections. The modernization of the institution is expected to further enhance the quality of French-language education and cultural exchange in Nigeria.
Cultural diplomacy remains a cornerstone of the Franco-Nigerian relationship, with both nations celebrating a shared passion for creativity and artistic expression. The envoy referenced the recent Création Africa Forum, which will host its second edition in Lagos after a highly successful inaugural event that attracted over 1,000 participants from 42 countries. The forum serves as a dynamic platform for collaboration among African and French entrepreneurs, innovators, and creatives, further positioning Nigeria as a cultural powerhouse and a key hub in Africa’s growing creative economy.
The French envoy also reaffirmed France’s support for Nigeria’s leadership role on the continent and on the global stage, emphasizing the need for permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council. The envoy commended Nigeria for its unwavering commitment to international law, peacekeeping, and global cooperation. France also applauded Nigeria’s principled stance on the Treaty on the High Seas and its support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict, highlighting the nation’s reputation as a diplomatic voice of reason in international affairs.
Economically, the partnership between the two countries continues to thrive. With over 100 French companies currently operating in Nigeria, France remains one of the nation’s leading European trading partners. French investments in Nigeria span key sectors such as energy, transportation, technology, agriculture, and manufacturing, with ongoing discussions to expand trade and industrial cooperation. The envoy emphasized that France sees enormous potential for growth in Nigeria, describing it as “a continent-sized country and the most populous in Africa,” and a natural partner for France’s long-term strategy in the region.
Cultural ties between the two nations were also celebrated through art and music, with the French envoy pointing to the recent major exhibition dedicated to Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, held in France. The exhibition, which drew thousands of visitors, was described as “an embodiment of our shared creative vitality” and a testament to the cultural bridge linking Lagos and Paris through music, art, and history.
As France and Nigeria continue to expand their partnership, both countries are setting their sights on new opportunities for cooperation in innovation, clean energy, and digital transformation. The envoy concluded by reaffirming France’s unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential and expressing optimism about the future of bilateral relations. “France and Nigeria can achieve great things together,” the envoy said, noting that the momentum built through these initiatives will carry forward into future engagements, including the upcoming Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi next year, where both countries are expected to play central roles in shaping the continent’s sustainable development agenda.
Through its deepening collaboration in infrastructure, technology, education, and culture, France’s engagement with Nigeria continues to symbolize a partnership built on shared goals, mutual respect, and a commitment to driving Africa’s transformation in the 21st century.
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