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.

***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.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr Wale Edun has played host to a high-level Chinese delegation led by Minister Counsellor Wang Yingzi, setting the stage to solidify Nigeria-China alliance.
A statement by the Director of information Muhammed manga described the cooperation as a landmark move to bolster economic ties and unlock new investment opportunities in the country
according to the statemen, the meeting focused on next month’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and explored strengthening Nigeria-China relations.

Minister Counsellor Wang expressed China’s commitment to increasing investments in Nigeria and he pledged continued support from Chinese financial institutions.
Edun welcomed this partnership, highlighting the importance of Chinese investments in promoting economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation across the nation.
“This strategic engagement sets the stage for a stronger Nigeria-China alliance, fostering mutual economic benefits and cooperation.
“With a renewed commitment to cooperation, both nations are poised to harness the vast potential of their bilateral relations, driving prosperity and development for the benefit of their citizens.
“The Ministry looks forward to a fruitful outcome from the forthcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and a strengthened Nigeria-China alliance.