French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday hosted Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Elysee Palace in Paris, as part of the Nigerian leader’s ongoing working vacation in Europe. The meeting, which was described as a private working lunch, comes amid efforts to deepen bilateral ties between Nigeria and France.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, shared photos of the engagement on social media, confirming that the two leaders met on September 10, 2025. He noted that the lunch provided both leaders with an opportunity to hold direct discussions in a less formal setting, focusing on cooperation and shared interests.
The Nigerian president had earlier departed Abuja on September 4 to commence a 10-working-day vacation in Europe, which also doubles as part of his 2025 annual leave. While details of the conversations between the two leaders were not disclosed, the meeting is viewed as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s international partnerships.
France and Nigeria have a longstanding relationship in areas such as trade, security cooperation, energy, and culture. Observers believe the Elysee Palace meeting may further consolidate these ties, especially at a time when Nigeria is seeking greater international support to boost investment, improve economic stability, and tackle regional security challenges.
Tinubu’s visit underscores the importance of Nigeria’s relationship with France and the broader European Union, as his administration continues to project a foreign policy agenda built on economic diplomacy and strategic partnerships.
