The Federal Government of Nigeria has entered into a €300 million development partnership with France, for strengthening critical sectors such in healthcare, transportation, renewable energy, agriculture, and human capital development. The agreement is a major step in bolstering bilateral ties and advancing Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, led the Nigerian delegation in signing two key agreements with the French Government and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) during a ceremony in France.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Muhammed Manga in a statement indicated that the agreements aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda adding that it reflected Nigeria’s commitment to comprehensive economic reforms.

The partnership will channel investments into enhancing access to quality medical care and improving urban infrastructure and connectivity.
It will also support Nigeria’s energy transition, Promote food security, sustainable farming practices and focuse on STEM to boost human capital.

Edun who lauded the collaboration, not that the partnership goes beyond financial assistance.
“It is about creating robust, sustainable systems that drive development and empower Nigerians. It reflects the trust our international partners have in Nigeria’s reform efforts.”
AFD CEO Rémi Rioux reiterated the agency’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s development through long-term financing of sustainable projects. The agreement emphasized Urban Infrastructure Development, Support for MSMEs and Agro-logistics Hubs and Energy Access Expansion
Rioux emphasized that the partnership will aid in fostering job creation and enhancing Nigeria’s economic resilience through strategic investments.
The signing of the agreements, the statement said marked a critical milestone in Nigeria’s economic diplomacy, ensuring continued international support for its growth agenda.
The €300 million partnership is an acknowledgement of the growing confidence in Nigeria’s economic trajectory and commitment to sustainable development.

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election Peter Obi has praised his former Running Mate Baba-Ahmed’s transformative investments in Nigeria’s education and healthcare sectors.
He spoke on Saturday when he honored Sen. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed’s investiture as the 3rd Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Baze University in Abuja

Obi commended Baba-Ahmed for his substantial contributions, including founding both Baze University in Abuja and Baba-Ahmed University in Kano, which have strengthened Nigeria’s educational framework and created new opportunities for young Nigerians.

“Datti’s commitment to building institutions that advance education and healthcare represents a monumental step in our journey toward national development,” Obi stated.

The event also marked Baze University’s 11th Convocation Ceremony, where degrees were conferred upon new graduates. Obi congratulated the graduating class, encouraging them to channel their skills and knowledge toward building a productive Nigeria.

Reflecting on the future, Obi reaffirmed his vision for a New Nigeria, emphasizing the need for leaders committed to sustainable progress and national growth.

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***Reaffirms Vision for Development

In a demonstration of his commitment to fostering development in Nigeria’s health and education sectors, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, visited Anambra State on Thursday and donated N60 million to support local institutions.

During his visit to the University on the Niger (UNINIGER) in Umunya, Obi presented N50 million to the university’s Iyi-Enu campus, aiding its expansion and infrastructure goals.
He also visited the School of Nursing at Iyienu Mission Hospital in Ogidi, where he contributed an additional N10 million to support healthcare training.

In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi described his donations as essential investments rather than expenditures. “The financial support we give to health, education, and poverty reduction initiatives is not expenditure, but an investment in crucial areas that will propel our development,” he said.

Obi emphasized the urgent need for greater support in these sectors, pointing out that underfunding, lack of infrastructure, and a significant shortage of healthcare professionals have hindered progress. He noted that Nigeria currently fails to meet the World Health Organization’s recommended healthcare worker-to-population ratio, highlighting the importance of increasing healthcare training programs nationwide.

“The solution to this urgent shortage lies in investing more aggressively in the training of healthcare professionals nationwide,” he urged.

Obi expressed gratitude to the leadership, staff, and students of both institutions for their dedication to Nigeria’s health and education. “Our sacrificial investments today will form the foundation of tomorrow’s development strides,” he said, adding confidently, “I remain certain that a New Nigeria is Possible.”

Obi’s contributions reflect his vision for a resilient Nigeria, where investment in human capital builds a foundation for sustainable development and national progress.