Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has left Nigeria for France on what has been described as a private visit. The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in an official statement released on Tuesday.
According to the statement, President Tinubu departed Abuja on a private jet and is expected to spend a few days in France before returning to Nigeria. While the presidency did not disclose the specific reasons for the visit, it emphasized that the trip is not an official engagement but rather a personal one.
The visit comes at a time when Nigeria is facing multiple economic and security challenges, including a rising cost of living, inflation, and ongoing security concerns in various parts of the country. This has led to mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some citizens and political analysts questioning the timing of the trip. Others, however, see it as a necessary break for the president, who has had a busy schedule since assuming office in May 2023.
This is not the first time President Tinubu has visited France since becoming Nigeria’s leader. In previous visits, he has engaged in high-level meetings with international investors and world leaders, particularly in Paris, where he maintains strong diplomatic and economic ties. France has been a key partner for Nigeria, especially in areas of trade, security, and investment.
While the presidency has assured Nigerians that the president will return soon, there is speculation that he may use the opportunity to engage in informal discussions with key stakeholders in the international community. Some reports suggest that he may meet with French business leaders or Nigerian expatriates to discuss investment opportunities and other economic matters.
As the president embarks on this trip, Nigerians will be watching closely to see what impact, if any, it will have on the country’s governance and international relations. Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima and other senior government officials are expected to oversee affairs in his absence.
President Tinubu’s latest visit to France underscores the importance of Nigeria’s relationship with the European nation and raises questions about the balance between official and private trips for a sitting head of state. Whether this visit will yield any significant outcomes remains to be seen.
