JUST IN: Tinubu jets out to France on private visit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Nigeria for Paris, France, on a private visit.

His journey precedes his scheduled participation in the upcoming African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

According to Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu will join other African leaders at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State. The sessions are set to take place from February 12 to 16, 2025.

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“The President will arrive in Addis Ababa early next week for the AU Summit. While in France, President Tinubu will meet with his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron,” Onanuga stated.

Tinubu’s frequent international trips have sparked public debate, especially amid rising economic hardship in Nigeria. Many have questioned the benefits of these trips, particularly the size of his entourage and the actual returns on investment for the country.

However, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, defended Tinubu’s travels in a recent interview, insisting that Nigeria is financially capable of funding them.

He argued that the President needs to strengthen diplomatic ties and attract foreign investments. “It is not a fair assessment. The administration is still new, and in global terms, he is still a new president. He needs to interact with fellow heads of state to establish relationships,” Tuggar said.

He added that Tinubu’s trips had already yielded significant investments, such as the $2 billion secured in Brazil, emphasizing that Nigeria “should even travel more.” Since assuming office in 2023, Tinubu has reportedly embarked on 32 foreign trips, visiting about 19 countries.