BREAKING: Tinubu Leaves for France on Private Visit

President Bola Tinubu has flown to France for a private visit, with no official details provided regarding the purpose or duration of his trip.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has left Nigeria for a private visit to Paris, France.

His trip takes place before his planned attendance at the forthcoming African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, announced that Tinubu will participate alongside other African leaders in the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State. These sessions are scheduled for February 12 to 16, 2025.

Onanuga announced that the President is scheduled to arrive in Addis Ababa early next week for the AU Summit, and during his time in France, President Tinubu will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Tinubu’s frequent international travels have ignited public discussion, particularly in light of the increasing economic difficulties in Nigeria. Many people are questioning the advantages of these trips, focusing on the large size of his entourage and whether they provide any real returns on investment for the country.

Nonetheless, in a recent interview, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar supported Tinubu’s travels by asserting that Nigeria has the financial means to support them.

He contended that the President should enhance diplomatic relations and draw in foreign investments. Tuggar remarked, “This is not a fair assessment. The administration is still fresh, and globally speaking, he remains a new president. He needs to engage with other world leaders to build relationships.”

He mentioned that Tinubu’s travels have already resulted in substantial investments, including a $2 billion deal secured in Brazil. He stressed the importance of Nigeria undertaking even more trips abroad. Since taking office in 2023, Tinubu has reportedly made 32 international trips to approximately 19 countries.