President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to depart from Abuja on Wednesday for a private visit to Paris, France, ahead of the African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement as the president prepares to participate in key discussions with African leaders.
In a statement released by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, it was confirmed that President Tinubu’s trip to France will include a crucial meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. This dialogue is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and France, covering a range of issues from economic cooperation to security challenges in the region.
Following his time in France, President Tinubu will travel to Addis Ababa, where he is slated to join fellow African leaders at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU Heads of State. These sessions, scheduled to take place from February 12 to 16, 2025, will address pressing continental issues, including economic development, peace and security, and climate change.
The AU summit presents an important platform for Nigeria to advocate for its interests and collaborate on initiatives aimed at fostering stability and growth across Africa. During the summit, discussions will likely revolve around the ongoing challenges faced by member states and potential strategies for collective action.
As President Tinubu embarks on this diplomatic journey, the focus will be on enhancing Nigeria’s role within the African Union and leveraging partnerships to tackle shared challenges. His engagements in France and Ethiopia are seen as critical steps in reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and development.
The outcome of these meetings may have significant implications for Nigeria’s foreign policy and its influence on the African continent, particularly in areas such as trade, security, and sustainable development.