President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on the
telephone on Thursday and invited him to Paris for discussions on the expansion of trade between France and Nigeria.
A statement by the French Embassy in Abuja said the French leader congratulated Buhari on his success and noted the peaceful and fair electoral process which had enhanced Nigeria's democracy.
"The French head of state assured the President-elect of France's wish to continue the close relationship that existed with his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, and reiterated France's support for Nigeria and its neighbours in their efforts to combat the terrorist sect, Boko Haram," the statement added.
Hollande also expressed his wish to expand trade between France and Nigeria and invited his Nigerian counterpart to Paris.