France and Nigeria on Thursday signed an accord aimed at promoting cooperation in civilian nuclear energy development and in strengthening economic ties, a French presidential statement said.

The agreement was signed during a visit here of Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua and French counterpart Nicholas Sarkozy.

The economic component of the accord focuses on a number of "priority sectors" -- energy, transportation, security, agriculture, education and professional training, infrastructure and the environment.

France in particular wants to help Nigeria develop its large reserves of oil and gas.

The two countries in addition "highlighted Nigeria's long-term interest in acquiring an electro-nuclear program to respond to growing energy needs," the statement said.

"France is prepared to carefully consider Nigeria's requests in this matter," it added.

The agreement also calls for the promotion of French-language teaching in Nigeria, the opening of negotiations aimed at reaching accords covering cooperation in legal affairs and in "the concerted management of migration flows."

France in addition agreed to help Nigeria to boost security conditions surrounding energy development in the Gulf of Guinea, notably through training. Paris will send a mission on a short-term assignment to assist the Nigerian navy in strengthening its maritime and in-land river security operations.

Nigeria is among France's leading economic partners in Africa.