Total investment by French companies into Nigeria has reached the US$4 billion mark, passing total investment by the United Kingdom into the West African nation.

Marcel Hochet, chairman of the Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry revealed this while announcing the start of "French Week" in Nigeria.

According to the chairman, France still lags behind the United States regarding total investment into Nigeria but has passed that of the United Kingdom.

French companies are mainly active in Nigeria's oil and gas, automobile and construction industries. Well known names include Total, LaFarge and Peugeot, amongst a host of others.

In 2006, trade between France and Nigeria rose by 68% to €2 billion, making the country France's largest business partner in sub-Saharan Africa, ahead of South Africa, for the first time.