Nigeria to host investment, security summit in Paris Nov. 10 –Presidential aide

The Federal Government says it is organising a Nigeria International Partnership Forum (NIPF), a high-level event, to accompany and strengthen Nigeria’s participation at the Paris Peace Forum.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that already President Muhammadu Buhari has, on Tuesday, arrived in Paris on an official visit during which he would participate in the Paris Peace Forum.

According to a statement issued by the President’s media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, on Tuesday, in Abuja, the one-day NIPF would bring together the Nigerian and French governments as well as their private sectors in wide-ranging discussions.

He said that the discussions would focus on security, regional stability, trade and industrialization, with the aim of attracting investments to Nigeria, and bridging existing infrastructure gaps.

”Additionally, it will spotlight Nigeria’s immense trade and investment opportunities, reset false and distorted narratives about Nigeria, and shed light on the efforts, initiatives and successes achieved in both the public and private sectors, as the country charts a trajectory of recovery from the COVID-19 induced global economic downturn,” he said.

Shehu revealed that highlights of the Forum would be the participation of President Buhari, who would deliver the Keynote address.

He further disclosed that speakers and panellists at the NIPF would include top Nigerian and French government functionaries, alongside attendance by Ministers and Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as Nigerian and French private sector operators.

Other attendees include the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Directors General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the French Development Agency.

Presidents of the African Development Bank and African Export-Import Bank; the French Minister of Foreign Trade and Economy; and Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Munguno would also be at the event.

He said: ”Nigeria’s private sector participation at the Forum is to be led by the President of the Nigeria-France Business Council, Abdulsamad Rabi’u.

”Leading business executives, across financial services, manufacturing, oil and gas will seize the platform to share experiences and perspectives on doing business in Africa’s largest economy, as well as their outlook on the future.

”The high-level event, on the sidelines of the annual Paris Peace Forum, which holds from 11th to 13th November 2021, will also draw attendance from Nigerians and Africans in France and the wider diaspora, the global business and investment community, Diplomats, Civil Society Organisations, as well as Nigerian, French and international media organisations.

”The invitation-only event will take place at the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris on Nov. 10, 2021,” Shehu added.