FMN Deepens France–Nigeria Trade Ties at 62nd Paris Agricultural FairSunday Ehigiator

Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) has strengthened bilateral economic relations between Nigeria and France through its partnership with the French Government at the 62nd edition of the Paris International Agricultural Show, also known as Salon International de l’Agriculture recently held in Paris.

The fair, which began on February 21, 2026 and will conclude on March 1, 2026, remains one of the world’s most prominent agricultural exhibitions.

FMN, a leading pan-African food and agro-allied group, is participating as a second-time sponsor and partner, following its successful outing in 2024.

The company is also a member of the France–Nigeria Business Council (FNBC), a platform aimed at enhancing commercial cooperation between both countries.

Speaking on the strategic importance of the partnership, the Group Chairman of FMN, Mr. John G. Coumantaros, described the France–Nigeria relationship as mutually beneficial and growth-driven.

“The France–Nigeria relationship is a valuable partnership built on a shared value agenda that fosters remarkable intercontinental trade growth.

“Also, as an organisation with over six decades of transformational footprint in Nigeria and progressively across the African continent, FMN has been unwaveringly committed to product and process innovation.

“Therefore, our continuous partnership with France for the success of the Paris International Agricultural Show further buttresses the thriving relationship between both countries.”

The theme for this year’s exhibition, ‘Generations Solution’, focuses on promoting knowledge transfer across generations and structuring processes to harness innovation and technological advancement within the global agricultural sector.

At the official inauguration of the Nigerian Pavilion on February 23, the Managing Director, FMN Agro, and Director, Strategic Engagement/Stakeholder Relations, Mr. Sadiq Usman, said the company’s presence at the fair aligns with its corporate mission.

“At FMN, our mission is Feeding and Enriching Lives Every Day. This is a mandate we have fulfilled through decades of economic shifts, rooted in a culture of deep resilience and constant innovation.

“We support this pavilion because FMN recognises that the next frontier of global agribusiness lies in high-level technical exchange. We thank the France-Nigeria Business Council (FNBC), the organisers of the PIAS, and our fellow members of the Nigerian Pavilion – Dangote, BUA, Zenith, Access, and our partners at Creativo El Matador and Soilless Farm Lab; we are exceedingly pleased to work to showcase the true face of Nigerian commerce.”

Dignitaries at the event included the Founder and Group Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia; the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Adaora Umeoji; the Chief of Staff to the Chairman of FMN, Ms. Anastasia Athanasiou; and the Secretary to the FNBC, Mr. Jean Haas.

With over six decades of operations in Nigeria, FMN has played a pivotal role in advancing food self-sufficiency and agro-industrial development. Its continued participation at the Paris Agricultural Fair signals a broader commitment to expanding Nigeria’s global trade footprint and strengthening economic diplomacy through strategic partnerships.