Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will embark on a State visit to France on November 28 and 29, marking the first such visit by a Nigerian leader in 24 years, as confirmed by the Elysée Palace. The visit is poised to strengthen relations between the two nations, with a focus on energy transition, defense, education, innovation, and cultural collaboration.
Currently presiding over ECOWAS, Tinubu has faced challenges both at home and in the region. Nigeria continues to battle Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgencies in the north, while relations with neighboring Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger remain strained after their withdrawal from ECOWAS earlier this year. These nations criticized the bloc for alleged bias toward France and insufficient support against jihadist threats.
Tinubu will join French President Emmanuel Macron on November 28 for a Franco-Nigerian Business Council meeting aimed at fostering economic partnerships. Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer and a leader in entertainment and media, presents substantial opportunities for bilateral trade and investment. The visit will also highlight youth-focused initiatives, promoting educational, cultural, and professional exchanges between the two countries.
This diplomatic milestone comes as Nigeria grapples with significant socio-economic challenges, including a poverty rate affecting over 129 million citizens, as noted in a recent World Bank report. Tinubu’s visit underscores the urgency of addressing these issues while deepening Nigeria’s international ties.