Nigeria and France are exploring opportunities to deepen bilateral trade and investment, particularly in the energy and industrial sectors, as both countries seek to strengthen commercial partnerships and expand economic cooperation.
Industry leaders have identified gas development, infrastructure financing, technology transfer and local manufacturing as important areas where businesses from both countries can collaborate.
The discussions took place at an energy roundtable organised by the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) as part of activities marking French Week 2026 in Lagos.
The event brought together energy executives, government representatives and diplomatic officials to examine investment opportunities and identify ways to strengthen business relationships between Nigeria and France.
Particular attention was given to the oil and gas value chain, where participants highlighted opportunities for international partnerships, industrial development and improved energy infrastructure.
TotalEnergies Highlights Nigeria’s Investment Potential
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer, described Nigeria as an important investment destination for French businesses.
He noted that TotalEnergies had maintained operations in Nigeria for 70 years, demonstrating the country’s long-standing importance to the company’s activities.
According to Bouyer, more than 100 French companies operate across different sectors of the Nigerian economy.
These businesses are involved in industries including energy, infrastructure, logistics, technology, agriculture and consumer goods.
He also disclosed that bilateral trade between Nigeria and France reached approximately $4.7bn in 2025, highlighting the scale of existing commercial relations between both countries.
The figures underline the importance of maintaining an investment-friendly environment that allows businesses to expand their operations and explore new opportunities.
Gas Development and Energy Infrastructure
Gas development emerged as one of the major areas of potential cooperation during the roundtable.
Nigeria possesses significant natural gas resources, and developing the sector could support electricity generation, industrial activities and the growth of domestic manufacturing.
Investment in gas infrastructure is also important for improving the movement, processing and distribution of gas to industries and other consumers.
French companies could play a role through financing, engineering services, technology provision and partnerships with Nigerian businesses.
Participants also identified infrastructure financing as an important requirement for unlocking opportunities across the energy value chain.
Large-scale energy projects often require substantial capital, technical expertise and long-term commercial commitments. Strong partnerships between local and international investors could help address some of these requirements.
Technology Transfer and Local Manufacturing
Technology transfer and local manufacturing were also identified as important opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation.
For Nigeria, attracting foreign investment is not only about securing funding for projects but also about developing local expertise, creating employment and building domestic industrial capacity.
Partnerships with French companies could support the introduction of modern technologies, technical training and improved industrial processes.
Local manufacturing could also benefit from stronger connections between international businesses and Nigerian suppliers.
Expanding domestic production capabilities may help reduce dependence on imported equipment and services while creating additional opportunities for Nigerian companies.
These partnerships could extend beyond the traditional oil and gas industry into infrastructure, agriculture, logistics and technology.
Global Energy Changes Create New Investment Priorities
Bouyer said changing dynamics in the global energy industry required Nigeria and its international partners to focus on investments that would improve production, operational efficiency and energy security while reducing emissions.
The global energy sector is undergoing significant changes as countries balance the need for reliable energy supplies with environmental considerations and evolving market conditions.
For Nigeria, these developments create an opportunity to attract investment into projects that can strengthen domestic energy supply and improve the competitiveness of its petroleum industry.
Improving operational efficiency and reducing emissions will also remain important considerations for companies operating in the country’s energy sector.
International partnerships can provide access to technical knowledge and resources needed to support these objectives.
French Week 2026 Strengthens Business Engagement
The energy roundtable formed part of French Week 2026, an initiative designed to encourage engagement between Nigerian and French businesses.
By bringing together industry leaders, government representatives and diplomatic officials, the event provided a platform for discussing commercial opportunities and strengthening relationships.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of cooperation beyond oil production, with infrastructure, technology, agriculture and manufacturing identified as areas with potential for further investment.
With more than 100 French companies already operating in Nigeria and bilateral trade estimated at $4.7bn in 2025, both countries have an existing foundation for expanding their economic relationship.
The next challenge will be translating discussions into concrete investment commitments, commercial agreements and projects that deliver measurable benefits.
Stronger cooperation in energy and industrial development could support Nigeria’s economic diversification, create business opportunities and deepen its trade relationship with France.
