French President Emmanuel Macron has warmly welcomed Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to France for an official state visit, marking the first visit by a Nigerian leader to the country in over two decades.
The reception took place at the historic Invalides memorial complex, where both national anthems were played, signaling the start of a visit focused on strengthening economic ties between France and Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country.
During the ceremony, President Tinubu also reviewed a guard of honor. Macron has sought to renew France’s relationship with Africa since his election in 2017, especially after recent military coups and shifting attitudes that have diminished France’s influence on the continent. His office described the visit as a chance to deepen the “already dynamic relationship” between the two nations.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Tinubu expressed gratitude to Macron for the warm welcome, stating, “Nigeria and France have a rich history of collaboration across various sectors. I am eager to engage in our bilateral discussions and explore new avenues for partnership that can benefit both nations.”
Tinubu arrived in France on Wednesday, where he was greeted by senior French officials. His three-day visit is set to focus on enhancing political, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries.
As Africa’s leading oil producer, Nigeria also boasts a thriving film industry, known as Nollywood. However, the country faces significant challenges, including insecurity and corruption, which have contributed to more than half of its population—around 129 million people—living below the poverty line. With Nigeria struggling with high inflation and rising food prices, the visit provides an important opportunity to attract economic investment and explore new avenues for growth.
