President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria on Thursday began a two-day state visit to France, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The visit, the first official state visit by a Nigerian president in over two decades, is aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and boosting ties between France and Africa’s most populous country.
The two leaders, President Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron, met at the Invalides memorial complex in Paris, where they were treated to the national anthems of both countries. The visit is expected to focus on encouraging economic partnerships between France and Nigeria, with Macron’s office describing it as an opportunity to deepen the already dynamic relationship between the two countries.
For Nigeria, the visit represents a chance to tap into economic investment, particularly in the areas of agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition. The country has been battling soaring inflation and food prices, and the visit is seen as a crucial step in addressing these challenges.
The visit also marks a significant shift in France’s approach to Africa, with Macron calling for a renewal of ties between Paris and the continent. France has been seeking to boost its influence in English-speaking Africa, following a series of setbacks with former allies on the continent.
