President Bola Tinubu held bilateral discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron during a working lunch at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Wednesday, as part of his ongoing annual leave in France.
The meeting between the two leaders was documented in photographs shared by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, through his X account on Wednesday. Onanuga’s post confirmed the working lunch took place at the prestigious French presidential residence.
The diplomatic engagement occurred during President Tinubu’s vacation period, which began last Thursday when he departed Nigeria for his annual leave in France. The President’s trip was officially announced as a 10-day vacation to Europe, though the working lunch with President Macron suggests elements of diplomatic activity during his time abroad.
Prior to his departure from Nigeria, President Tinubu received a high-level send-off at the airport, with several key government officials in attendance. The delegation that saw him off included Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and several state governors including Hope Uzodimma and Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Also present at the departure ceremony were Finance Minister Wale Edun and Minister of Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu, demonstrating the significance placed on the President’s travel by the administration’s top officials.
The working lunch with President Macron represents an opportunity for both leaders to discuss matters of mutual interest between Nigeria and France. While the specific topics of their discussion have not been disclosed, such bilateral meetings typically cover trade relations, security cooperation, and diplomatic issues affecting both countries.
France maintains significant economic and diplomatic ties with Nigeria, particularly in areas such as energy cooperation, trade partnerships, and regional security matters in West Africa. The informal setting of a working lunch at the Elysee Palace suggests a continued strengthening of Nigeria-France relations under both administrations.
The meeting occurs against the backdrop of Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and France’s continued engagement with African nations, making the diplomatic interaction potentially significant for future bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
