President Tinubu, First Lady, depart for three-day France visit today

• President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu depart for a three-day state visit to France at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron
• The visit will strengthen bilateral relations in agriculture, security, education, health, youth empowerment, innovation, and energy transition
• This marks Tinubu’s 32nd foreign trip since taking office 18 months ago, bringing the total number of countries visited to 17

President Bola Tinubu will travel to France today, November 27, for a three-day state visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. 

According to a statement released by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit aims to deepen political, economic, and cultural ties between Nigeria and France.

The trip, which includes Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, will feature engagements in key areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth empowerment, innovation, and energy transition. 

Tinubu and Macron will explore new partnerships and opportunities that will benefit both nations.

As part of the official ceremonies, President Tinubu and his wife will be received on Thursday, November 28, at Les Invalides, a historic French military museum, and the Élysée Palace by Macron and his wife, Brigitte. 

These events will set the stage for bilateral discussions focusing on strengthening collaboration in various sectors, including trade, solid minerals, and communication.

The two leaders will also deliberate on enhancing youth-focused exchange programs, emphasising skills development in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. 

Additionally, they will participate in the France-Nigeria Business Council session, which is pivotal in fostering private-sector involvement in economic growth.

Meanwhile, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Brigitte Macron will discuss initiatives to empower women, children, and vulnerable groups, aligning with Mrs Tinubu's "Renewed Hope Initiative."

The visit will culminate in a state dinner hosted by President Macron before Tinubu and his delegation depart.

This marks Tinubu’s 32nd international trip since assuming office 18 months ago and his fifth visit to France. Over this period, he has spent 131 days abroad, travelling to 17 countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. These trips have reportedly focused on strengthening Nigeria's global partnerships and attracting foreign investment.

Countries visited include Malabo, Equatorial Guinea; London, the United Kingdom (four times); Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (twice); Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Nairobi, Kenya; Porto Norvo, Benin Republic; The Hague, Netherlands; Pretoria, South Africa; Accra, Ghana; New Delhi, India; Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; New York, the United States of America; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (twice); Berlin, Germany; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dakar, Senegal and Doha, Qatar.

Tinubu confirms progress of Nigeria's economic plan, praises Customs for driving growth

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu affirmed that his economic vision is progressing as planned, emphasising key reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification. He clarified that the administration has been dedicated to strengthening policies that work, refining areas for improvement, and launching new projects to bridge identified gaps.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was also praised for modernising trade practices, improving efficiency, and boosting revenue generation.