France Assures Of Increased investment In Nigeria

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday in Nice, France received a firm pledge from President Nicholas Sarkozy of France of increased support to Nigeria from the French Development Agency and the French Export Credit Agency.

Sarkozy gave the pledge at a bilateral talk between Nigeria and France held after the final session of the 25th Africa – France Summit at the Acropolis Conference Centre in Nice.

Jonathan asked Sarkozy to prevail on the French Export Credit Agency to open up more credit lines to Nigerian companies doing business with France.

He noted that the development had become necessary in view of the rising volume of business between both countries.

Sarkozy assured Jonathan of additional French Direct Investment into Nigeria, especially in the area of power generation.

The French leader seized the opportunity of the talks to congratulate Jonathan on his recent assumption of office.

He said that he looked forward to visiting Nigeria next year.

The Tides source reports Jonathan left Nice for Abuja, Tuesday, after the conclusion of the two-day summit.

Meanwhile, the Summit has closed with a commitment by the African Union and France to work together for a reform of the UN.

At a joint press briefing, Sarkozy and the AU Chairman, Bingu Wa Mutharika, said the Summit resolved to facilitate the increase of Africa’s  membership in the UN Security Council  from three to seven.

In the Security Council, the highest authority of the UN, Africa currently has three non-permanent seats.

The Summit  suggested that two of the African members of the Council should have veto powers currently enjoyed by only U.S. Britain, China, Russia and France.

The Summit also called on the governments of participating  countries to work in accord to ensure lasting world peace and institutionalise democratic culture and the rule of law in Africa.