President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will leave Abuja on Wednesday for a three-day state visit to France at the invitation of his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron.
The visit is aimed at deepening political, economic, and cultural ties between Nigeria and France, with a focus on fostering partnerships in critical sectors.
The trip is expected to yield significant benefits for Nigeria, as both leaders will engage in bilateral meetings and diplomatic discussions on areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth empowerment, innovation, and energy transition.
In a statement released on Tuesday, a senior official in the presidency said, “President Tinubu’s visit to France is a step toward redefining Nigeria’s relationship with France and advancing shared priorities that will benefit our citizens. The discussions will open doors for enhanced collaboration in sectors critical to Nigeria’s growth.”
President Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will be formally received on Thursday at the historic Les Invalides and the Élysée Palace by President Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron. This ceremonial reception will mark the beginning of strategic discussions between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key areas of focus, a diplomatic source noted that the visit will explore ways to stimulate youth engagement and employment through education and skill development. “Both presidents will discuss exchange programmes aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with skills in automation, entrepreneurship, and leadership, positioning them for the future of work,” the source added.
Furthermore, President Tinubu and President Macron will hold meetings on solid minerals, finance, trade, investments, and communication. A major highlight of the trip will be their joint participation in a session of the France-Nigeria Business Council, which seeks to drive private sector contributions to economic development.
In a show of solidarity between the First Ladies, Brigitte Macron and Senator Oluremi Tinubu will hold discussions on the Nigerian First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, which focuses on empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable in society. “This is a significant opportunity to share best practices on women’s and children’s empowerment, a cause that both First Ladies are deeply passionate about,” a statement from the Renewed Hope Initiative office read.
The visit will culminate in a state dinner hosted by President Macron and his wife in honour of President Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Top Nigerian government officials are expected to accompany the president on this trip, underscoring its importance to the country’s diplomatic agenda.
This visit marks President Tinubu’s first state visit to France since assuming office and signals a renewed effort to strengthen Nigeria’s international partnerships. “The president is committed to positioning Nigeria as a key player on the global stage through mutually beneficial relationships with allies like France,” the presidency official concluded.
