France has indicated an interest in increasing its economic presence in Lagos State.
The country’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Denys Gauer, hinted at the possibility during a courtesy visits to the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
Gauer said that France is interested in Lagos as it is the economic capital of Nigeria as well as West Africa.
He revealed that more French companies were considering establishing their presence in Lagos as well as partner the state government on infrastructural development.
“The greatest part of the French community in Nigeria is in Lagos not in Abuja. We have more than 50 offices of big French companies all established here in Lagos and more are coming,” Gauer said.
He said that the French Development Company was currently partnering the state in financing of certain projects relating to city planning, public transportation and waste management and hopes to expand the scope in the nearest future.
Consulate General of France and Head of Mission, Marcel Escure, Head of Regional Economic Department, Dominique Simon, and the Commercial Counsellor, head of Regional Economic Department in Lagos, Francis Widmer, accompanied the Ambassador.
Meanwhile, Ambode told the French delegation Lagos was expanding its frontiers to accommodate investors willing to set up their businesses in the state.
He assured the Ambassador that his administration would ensure that their investments were secure.
He said the state government was putting finishing touches to policies and strategies that will strengthen its economic ties with neighbouring French-speaking countries.
“On our part, we’ve decided that we are going to expand relationship with our neighbours and other nations,” Ambode said.
Author: Chief Editor
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