Editor
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France as a pivotal step in strengthening bilateral relations and unlocking new economic opportunities for Nigeria, particularly for sub-national governments.
Speaking with State House correspondents on the sidelines of the visit in Paris, Mbah, who is part of the Nigerian delegation, underscored the significance of such high-level engagements in driving growth and development at both national and state levels.
“This visit highlights the robust relationship between Nigeria and France,” Mbah said. “It’s not just about diplomacy; it’s about creating opportunities for states like Enugu to explore trade, investment, and development partnerships.”
The governor pointed to ongoing collaborations with France’s development finance institution, Agence Française de Développement (AFD). He noted that AFD is already partnering with Enugu State to expand its urban water scheme, demonstrating the tangible benefits of such partnerships.
Mbah emphasized that the visit provided a platform to consolidate existing agreements and explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure.
“For us in Enugu, this is more than an exploratory mission. It’s an opportunity to strengthen and build on partnerships that can directly impact our people through improved infrastructure and economic growth,” he stated.
He described the visit as “remarkable and consequential,” noting its significance as the first of its kind in 24 years.
“State visits like this deepen bilateral relationships and open doors for both nations to explore new trade and investment opportunities,” Mbah added.
The visit, he concluded, underscores the importance of sustained international engagements in fostering economic growth and development for both Nigeria and its states.
(Source: NAN)
