President Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed his planned state visit to Nigeria until early 2027 following an agreement with President Bola Tinubu. The visit, initially scheduled for October 29 to November 6, 2026, was deferred by both leaders.
A French presidential source also confirmed on Friday that Macron had postponed his planned visits to Nigeria and Senegal. The source did not explicitly state the reasons for the postponement but described the trip as involving a “diplomatic and cooperation agenda”.
The specific reasons for the change in schedule have not been officially disclosed, while new dates for the visit are yet to be announced.
Macron’s visit was expected to strengthen bilateral relations between France and Nigeria, with discussions anticipated to focus on trade, investment, economic cooperation and other areas of mutual interest.
The postponement comes amid unrest in France, where demonstrations reportedly triggered by staff shortages and poor facilities in schools have spread across the country. The protests have also drawn attention to concerns over the rising cost of living. However, the French presidential source did not explicitly link the unrest to the decision to postpone the visits.
Macron’s planned trip would have followed Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France in November 2024, during which the two leaders discussed finance, energy transition, solid minerals, trade, investment and communications.
At the time, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu’s visit was aimed at “strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership”.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has visited France several times for official engagements, working visits and private trips. Macron, whose second and final presidential term is due to end in May 2027, has maintained diplomatic relations with Tinubu since the Nigerian leader took office.
The rescheduled visit is expected to provide another opportunity for both countries to deepen cooperation, although the new dates and agenda remain unconfirmed.
- Source: Nairametrics
