In the early days of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, he was elected Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This period coincided with a coup in Niger Republic that ousted the civilian government of President Mohamed Bazoum, leading to the emergence of the current leader, Colonel Abdourahamane Tchiani.
As ECOWAS chairman, President Tinubu sought to invoke provisions within the organization’s treaty permitting military intervention in cases of undemocratic changes of government among member states. This approach drew significant resistance, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where public outcry led to the intervention of the Sultan of Sokoto, who played a crucial role in calming tensions. Consequently, the Nigerian government reconsidered its military stance, allowing peace to prevail between the neighboring nations.
President Tinubu has since turned his focus to strengthening economic ties with France, leveraging French President Emmanuel Macron’s historical connections to Nigeria. Macron, during his time as a French diplomatic staff member in Nigeria, was known for his affinity for the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti and his visits to the iconic Kalakuta Republic.
France’s economic presence in Nigeria remains robust, particularly in the oil and gas sector through companies like TotalEnergies and ELP. Additionally, the Chagoury Group has deepened the economic relationship between the two nations through various business ventures.
However, tensions between Nigeria and Niger escalated when Colonel Tchiani accused Nigerian authorities of harboring French military forces on Nigerian soil—claims that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu firmly denied. Tchiani’s undiplomatic remarks targeted Ribadu and a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, further complicating relations.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu’s personal relationship with France has raised questions about its potential impact on Nigeria’s official diplomatic stance. His recent state visit to France, accompanied by family members, including his son Seyi Tinubu, has sparked debates about the blending of personal and official roles in governance. While the 1999 Constitution, as amended, allows the President to assign official duties to any Nigerian, critics argue that such appointments should be formalized to maintain transparency.
To allay public concerns, President Tinubu must clarify his administration’s intention to deepen economic relations with France. This includes exploring opportunities to revitalize industries like the Peugeot Automobile Assembly Plant, a vital step toward industrialization and job creation in Nigeria.
The Tinubu administration has a unique opportunity to translate its diplomatic engagements with France and other European Union countries into tangible economic benefits for Nigerians. By fostering investments and reviving manufacturing, the government can pave the way for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
It is worthy to note that in the first quarter of 2024, France emerged as Nigeria’s largest trade partner, surpassing Spain and the United States for the first time in recent years.
Similarly, report obtained from International Trade Centre revealed that French import from Nigeria totaled 2,125 billion Naira ($1.4 billion), accounting for 11.05% of Nigeria’s total exports. This figure positions France ahead of Spain and the United States. If the trend continues, French imports from Nigeria could exceed $ 4.7 billion recorded in 2023.
At this critical juncture, the President’s open engagement with France must prioritize Nigeria’s national interest, ensuring that the relationship yields dividends for its citizens and strengthens the nation’s economic future.
Mahmud Shuaibu Ringim
HALIM Consulting Ltd, Kano
mahmudshuaibu44@gmail.com
