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Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated talks with France to explore areas of collaboration in the energy sector, particularly in the development of Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, and the establishment of hydro-power plants.
The move is part of Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its energy mix, reduce dependence on petroleum products, and promote sustainable energy development.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, speaking during a courtesy visit by the Agence Francaise de Development Group, AFD Mission in Nigeria, also solicited for more bilateral cooperation with France in sports development.
The Minister commended the interventions of France through the AFD in Nigeria for the past 15 years but called for more interventions to explore increased cooperation in areas of comparative advantage.
Bagudu, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Nebeolisa Anako, disclosed that the government is seeking to improve energy production with environmentally friendly energy sources, possibly through Build-Operate-Transfer, BOT, arrangements.
“We want to improve our energy mix with environmentally friendly energy sources, and we believe France and AFD can play a significant role in this regard,” Bagudu said.
Earlier, the AFD Executive Mission Lead, Mr. Phillipe Orliange, expressed the institution’s willingness to support the implementation of Nigeria’s National Development Plans, NDP, and the eight-point agenda of President Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Orliange noted that their aim of visiting the Ministry was to seek opportunities directing future investment in the country.
AFD has been active in Nigeria for over 15 years, implementing various development projects in the country.