Rabiu: Zenith Bank Paris to strengthen Nigeria-France relations

The Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, recently expressed his optimism about the commissioning of Zenith Bank's subsidiary in Paris, France, as a significant move that will further strengthen relations between Nigeria and France. In a chat with CNBC Africa during the commissioning ceremony, Rabiu highlighted agriculture infrastructure and input as a focal area for potential collaboration between the two countries. Rabiu praised Zenith Bank's reputation as one of the leading banks not only in Nigeria but across Africa. He emphasized that the establishment of the bank's subsidiary in Paris would provide businesses in Nigeria with enhanced access to funding. Rabiu believes that this increased access to funding, coupled with the bank's presence in France, will facilitate the transfer of capital to Nigeria and other parts of Africa, ultimately supporting development initiatives on the continent. During the interview, Rabiu acknowledged the historic visit of the Nigerian president to France, underscoring the significance of the relationship between the two nations. Drawing from his experience as the first chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Rabiu expressed his commitment to fostering stronger economic ties between the two countries. Highlighting the agricultural sector as a key focus area, Rabiu emphasized the untapped potential for collaboration in agri-infrastructure and input between France and Nigeria. With Nigeria's sizable population and vast arable land, Rabiu stressed the need for strategic partnerships to maximize agricultural productivity. He pointed out that while Nigeria has substantial land resources, only a fraction is currently under cultivation, presenting significant opportunities for growth and development. Rabiu further outlined the potential for collaboration in the production of essential agricultural inputs, citing France's expertise in ammonia and nitrogen fertilizers. By leveraging France's proficiency in this area, Rabiu believes that Nigeria can enhance its agricultural output, improve food security, and potentially explore opportunities for exporting value-added products such as cocoa. In conclusion, Rabiu commended Zenith Bank for its strategic decision to establish a presence in Paris and expressed optimism about the future prospects of the Nigeria-France relationship. He highlighted the importance of driving economic growth through collaborative efforts in agriculture and underscored the potential for bilateral cooperation to drive sustainable development and economic prosperity for both nations.