Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has described President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France as a pivotal moment for driving economic growth and strengthening Nigeria’s bilateral ties with France.
Speaking to reporters in Paris during the visit, Governor Mbah emphasized the importance of such high-level engagements, highlighting their potential to advance not only national development but also subnational opportunities.
“This visit highlights the robust relationship between Nigeria and France. It goes beyond diplomacy, creating tangible opportunities for states like Enugu to attract trade, investment, and development partnerships,” he stated.
Governor Mbah outlined the ongoing collaborations between Enugu State and France, particularly through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which is supporting the expansion of the state’s urban water scheme.
He noted that the visit provided a platform to solidify existing agreements and explore new areas of cooperation, especially in agriculture and infrastructure.
“For us in Enugu, this is not just exploratory. It’s an opportunity to strengthen partnerships that can directly improve infrastructure and boost economic growth for our people,” Mbah said.
He described the visit as “remarkable and consequential,” noting it was the first state visit by a Nigerian president to France in 24 years.
Governor Mbah also praised the warm reception from French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, as well as the productive discussions that reinforced the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
“State visits like this deepen the relationship between our countries, opening new avenues for trade and investment. This is a critical step in driving growth and fostering partnerships that benefit both nations and their subnational entities,” he added.
By Kunle Sanni
