President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria is set to embark on a significant three-day state visit to France, commencing Wednesday. This visit comes in response to an invitation extended by French President Emmanuel Macron. As articulated by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit aims to fortify the political, economic, and cultural ties between Nigeria and France while creating new avenues for partnership in various sectors. Focus areas will include agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, employment, innovation, and energy transition. This initiative is anticipated to yield considerable benefits for Nigeria, potentially enhancing its interaction with France and expanding cooperative endeavors across diverse fields.
The ceremonial welcome for President Tinubu and his wife, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, will take place on Thursday at Les Invalides, a historic French military museum, alongside the official residence of the French President, Palais de l’Élysée. The welcoming ceremony will lead into a series of bilateral meetings aimed at fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. During these discussions, both leaders plan to identify and promote exchange programs that emphasize skill development among youth, specifically targeting areas such as automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. Such engagement is crucial for building the competencies needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
In addition to the core discussions on youth empowerment, the two leaders will engage in diplomatic meetings that will underscore their shared values in finance, trade, investments, solid minerals, and communication. This alignment will likely pave the way for deeper economic cooperation and investment opportunities between the two nations. President Tinubu and President Macron will also convene alongside members of the France-Nigeria Business Council, which plays a pivotal role in encouraging private sector involvement in economic development initiatives. The collaboration between the two countries’ businesses is expected to foster growth and create new job opportunities in Nigeria.
A notable aspect of the state visit includes the engagement between the First Ladies of both nations, Brigitte Macron and Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, who will focus on the empowerment of women, children, and vulnerable groups. This initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative championed by the Nigerian First Lady. Discussions will likely revolve around strategies to improve the welfare and development of these groups, leveraging collaboration between French and Nigerian organizations. Such conversations align with broader global commitments to gender equality and social development.
Additionally, the visit will culminate in a state dinner hosted by President Macron, highlighting the importance of the relationship between the two leaders and their nations. The presence of high-ranking Nigerian government officials accompanying President Tinubu underscores the significance of this visit to Nigeria’s foreign policy. This trip will mark Tinubu’s 32nd foreign journey since he took office 18 months ago, demonstrating his active diplomatic engagement on the international stage. Notably, this visit to France marks his fifth sojourn to the European nation.
Since assuming the presidency, President Tinubu has spent a considerable amount of time abroad, with a total of 131 days visiting 17 different countries. His travels have taken him across multiple continents, including numerous trips to European nations, as well as engagements in Africa and the Americas. The extensive travel reflects Tinubu’s strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic relationships and explore new economic partners, enhancing Nigeria’s global presence and influence in various spheres of international relations.
