President Bola Tinubu will begin a state visit to France on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The visit is part of ongoing diplomatic engagements to strengthen ties between Nigeria and France.
Onanuga revealed that President Tinubu will be welcomed on Thursday at two key locations: the historic French military museum, Les Invalides, and the Palais de l’Élysée, where he will be received by French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse, Brigitte.
The initial ceremonies will pave the way for bilateral meetings between the two leaders.
The three-day visit, at the invitation of President Macron, will focus on enhancing political, economic, and cultural relations between the two countries.
Key areas of collaboration will include agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, employment, innovation, and energy transition.
Both leaders are expected to hold discussions on shared priorities such as finance, solid minerals, trade, investment, and communication.
Additionally, they will attend a session organized by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which promotes private sector involvement in economic development. First Ladies Brigitte Macron and Nigeria’s First Lady will also meet to discuss initiatives aimed at empowering women, children, and vulnerable groups through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Onanuga confirmed that President Tinubu will be accompanied by his wife and senior government officials on the visit.
The trip will conclude with a state dinner hosted by President Macron before the delegation’s return to Nigeria.
“The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.
“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.
“Brigitte and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss the latter’s passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative,” the statement read.
