The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, seems to think Nigeria is on the way to greatness—thanks to President Bola Tinubu’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. Edun, speaking from France, called the engagement “a sign of good things” for Nigeria’s economy. But can we really bank on a diplomatic handshake to pull Nigeria out of its economic mess?
Tinubu, currently on a state visit to France, met with Macron to discuss deals that Edun claims will spark job creation, economic growth, and industrial development in Nigeria. “The message from Tinubu to Macron was clear,” Edun said in an exclusive interview with Channels Television. According to him, the president assured Macron that his so-called “ongoing reforms” are setting the stage for Nigeria to become a haven for investments. That’s right, my people, —Nigeria is now “open for business.” Whether investors are eager to shop in a market bed,-riddden with inflation, fuel subsidy drama, and currency downfall is another story.
Macron, on his part, reportedly urged French businesses to pour their Euros into Nigeria. Agriculture, technology, finance, housing, you name it, are all supposedly on the table for collaboration. Edun noted that memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed, particularly in solid minerals, finance, and food security.
“Essentially, in a wide range of discussions involving ministers from both sides, there is commitment to develop agriculture and initiatives to improve food security,” Edun added. Great talking points, but where’s the strategy to ensure these promises aren’t just paper based? It’s not the first time we’ve heard grand announcements about bilateral partnerships.
Edun emphasized the marching orders on both sides to deepen relationships and for French businessmen to seize unfolding opportunities. “The agreements cover all areas from infrastructure, healthcare, technology, housing, to several other sectors,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tinubu, at a state dinner hosted by Macron at the Palais des Elysée, praised the French president’s supposed commitment to Africa. He expressed confidence that Macron’s goodwill would strengthen ties between the two nations and benefit the entire continent. Lofty sentiments, but shouldn’t the focus be on how Nigeria itself benefits first? It’s hard to sell “goodwill” when Nigerian citizens are struggling to afford basic necessities back home.
As the saying goes, “The proof of good food is in the eating.” Nigerians have tasted too many empty promises in the past. Let’s hope this time, Tinubu’s reforms and Macron’s goodwill deliver more than just diplomatic words.
