Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has described President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France as a crucial step in reinforcing bilateral ties and unlocking new opportunities for subnational governments.
Mbah, who is part of the Nigerian delegation, shared his thoughts with State House reporters while attending the visit in Paris.
He highlighted the importance of such high-level diplomatic engagements in fostering growth and development, not just at the national level, but also within states like Enugu.
“The visit reflects the strong and enduring relationship between Nigeria and France. It’s more than just a diplomatic gesture; it opens doors for states like ours to access trade, investment, and development partnerships.”
Mbah pointed to the state’s ongoing collaboration with France’s development finance institution, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), particularly in expanding Enugu’s urban water system.
He noted that the visit served as an opportunity to solidify existing agreements and explore new avenues for cooperation, particularly in agriculture.
“For Enugu, this visit is not just a fact-finding mission. It’s a chance to deepen partnerships that will bring tangible benefits to our people, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and economic growth,” he explained.
The governor called the state visit “historic and significant,” marking the first such visit in 24 years.
He emphasized that it represented a pivotal moment for both countries to strengthen their ties and explore new prospects for trade and investment.
“This visit highlights the robust bilateral relationship between Nigeria and France. It’s a valuable opportunity to further build these ties and explore new pathways for growth.”
