Paris: Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France as a pivotal move towards enhancing bilateral relations and unlocking new opportunities for subnational governments. Mbah, who is part of the Nigerian delegation, shared his insights with State House correspondents during the visit in Paris, underscoring the importance of such high-level engagements in fostering growth and development at both national and state levels.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Governor Mbah described the visit as a testament to the strong ties between Nigeria and France. He stressed that the visit extends beyond mere diplomacy, serving as a gateway for states like Enugu to explore avenues for trade, investment, and development partnerships. He specifically mentioned ongoing collaborations with France’s development finance institution, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which is currently involved in expanding Enugu’s urban water scheme.
Governor Mbah articulated that the vis
it is not just an exploratory mission for Enugu but a significant opportunity to consolidate existing agreements and pursue further cooperation, particularly in agriculture. He emphasized that such partnerships have the potential to directly benefit the people of Enugu through enhanced infrastructure and economic growth.
Describing the state visit as ‘remarkable and consequential,’ Mbah highlighted its historical significance, being the first of its kind in 24 years. He reiterated that such visits are crucial in strengthening bilateral relationships, offering both nations the chance to explore new trade and investment prospects.