President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after wrapping up his 33rd foreign trip since taking office 18 months ago.
The president’s aircraft, an Airbus A330, landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 9:10 PM on Wednesday, marking the conclusion of his travels to France and South Africa.
Tinubu’s visit to France, which took place from November 27 to December 1, 2024, was at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. During the trip, the two leaders signed two key agreements aimed at fostering long-term partnerships in critical infrastructure development, agriculture, and food security. Additionally, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, and French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, Mr. Antoine Armand, witnessed the agreement that would allow UBA to begin operations in Paris. Zenith Bank also launched its services in the country during this visit.
Following his time in France, President Tinubu flew to South Africa on December 2, where he co-chaired the 11th Bi-National Commission with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town. During the opening of the commission, Tinubu emphasized the shared destiny of Nigeria and South Africa and the need for further cooperation between the two nations, particularly in sectors like trade, investment, and economic growth. He also sought South Africa’s support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20, a forum for the world’s major advanced and emerging economies.
In response, President Ramaphosa expressed South Africa’s full support for Nigeria’s G20 bid, calling Nigeria a “valued sister country” and stressed the importance of increasing African representation in global economic discussions. Ramaphosa also reflected on South Africa’s historical role as the sole African voice in the G20 until the African Union’s admission in 2023.
Moreover, Nigeria and South Africa operationalized the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade, and Investment, a significant step aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two leading African economies.
On his return to Abuja, Tinubu was received at the airport by several high-ranking officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has logged 139 days abroad, visited 17 countries, and accumulated approximately 304 flight hours. His travels have taken him to destinations such as Paris (five times), London (four times), New York, Rio de Janeiro, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Doha, among others.
