No less than 10 French companies have expressed an interest to invest in various sectors of Nigeria's economy, The Guardian reports.

Agnes Hagyak, who led the French trade delegation, told reporters in Lagos that a number of French firms have indicated that they are interested in long-term investment projects and joint ventures with Nigerians.

According to Hagyak, the companies are especially interested to invest in Nigeria's agriculture, infrastructure and environmental services sectors.

Nigeria and France traded goods and services worth four billion euros in 2008, with the trade balance in favour of Nigeria.

France imports oil and agricultural goods from Nigeria; while Nigeria mainly imports cosmetics and technological equipment from France.