Nigeria and France have committed to broadening their bilateral relationship beyond diplomacy and trade, with education, agribusiness, technology and human capital development identified as priority areas for deeper cooperation. The commitment emerged at the France Nigeria Business and Human Capital Development Forum hosted by the Lagos Business School in Lagos on Wednesday.

Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, described the bilateral relationship as one already defined by dynamism, but said greater possibilities existed if both nations deliberately channelled their respective strengths. "France brings world class expertise in research, higher education, innovation, sustainable agriculture, technology and industry, while Nigeria offers immense talent, creativity and economic potential. When these strengths come together, they create opportunities greater than the sum of their parts," he stated.

Fonbaustier identified agriculture as a central pillar of cooperation, noting that French expertise in agritech, sustainable farming, logistics and agro processing could complement Nigeria's agricultural potential to build stronger food systems and rural economies. He also stressed the importance of academic exchanges, joint research and student mobility as long term foundations for partnership.

The ambassador further highlighted women and young people as Nigeria's greatest strategic assets, urging both governments to prioritise their education, entrepreneurship and leadership development. He called for collaboration on climate change through renewable energy, climate smart agriculture and green innovation. "The future of France Nigeria relations will not be written only in diplomatic meetings. It will be written in laboratories, classrooms, start ups and partnerships such as the one we celebrate today," Fonbaustier remarked.

Dean of Lagos Business School, Mrs Olayinka David West, noted that Nigeria had remained France's largest trading partner in Sub Saharan Africa for three consecutive years and its leading destination for foreign direct investment in the region. She added that more than 100 French companies currently operated across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

David West said forum discussions covered agribusiness and food systems, technology and artificial intelligence, executive education, academic exchange, research collaboration and student mobility. "In a world characterised by rapid technological change, economic uncertainty and shifting workforce dynamics, partnerships have become more important than ever," she noted.

Professor Adi Bongo of LBS urged both countries to move beyond traditional ties in trade, diplomacy and energy toward innovation, education, entrepreneurship and sustainable development. He outlined five pillars for a transformational partnership: business and investment, technology and innovation, human capital development, research and academic exchange, and sustainability, expressing optimism that stronger collaboration would deliver tangible outcomes by 2030.