Umoru: France Has over 100 Firms Contributing over 10,000 Direct Jobs in Nigeria

Bennett Oghifo

The Director General of the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Moses Umoru has said that France is playing a significant role in Nigeria’s development, having over 100 companies, and contributing to over 10,000 direct jobs.
He stated that Nigeria is France’s leading trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, and the fourth-largest in Africa, behind Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.  Nigeria accounts for around 20 per cent of France’s trade with sub-Saharan Africa.
“France has continued to play a strategic role in Nigeria’s development with its business presence totalling over 100 companies, and contributing to over 10,000 direct jobs,” he said.
According to him, French companies like TotalEnergies continue to expand its investment in the energy sector with its recent drive to invest $6 billion (around €5.5 billion) over several years in Nigeria’s energy industry, particularly in gas and offshore projects.
He added that Fanmilk Nigeria, which was acquired by Danone, continues to partner with governments in various states and expand its investment in Nigeria with the recently commissioned production line in Ibadan.
Besides, Umoru stated that Schneider Electric reinforced its operations in Nigeria with the commissioning of its new office facility recently and empowering individuals, communities and industries with sustainable energy solutions.
He noted that Access Bank Plc as part of plans to foster France-Nigeria trade has established commercial presence in Paris as well as SPIE Global Services Energy, which has commissioned a technical training centre in Port Harcourt to train Nigerians on the technical aspects of its operations and boost local content in the energy service sector.
The French Development Agencies (AFD) and Proparco, he said, continue to support Nigeria’s development by funding sustainable projects in Nigeria.
He said the French week 2024, holding in Lagos from the 8-15 November, is aimed at celebrating the impact of French presence in Nigeria, while highlighting the impact and collaborations made by French and Nigerian companies.
The 2024 French week is organised by the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, under the patronage of the French Embassy and French Consulate in Nigeria.  
The 2024 event line-up has been carefully put together to project the Franco-Nigerian business relations with a high-level business forum themed around “Enhancing France-Nigeria Relations Through Sustainable Investments and Partnerships”.
It will also feature a tech start-up conference and pitch session in partnership with French Tech Lagos, a cultural evening, among others.
The sponsors of the French week are: Access Bank Plc as well as SPIE Global Services Energy, Schneider Electric, Stren & Blan Partners, Zenith Bank Plc, Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe, TotalEnergies, among others.