President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Nigeria for Paris, France, on a private visit ahead of his scheduled participation in the African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu will attend the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State, scheduled for February 12-16, 2025.
“The President will arrive in Addis Ababa early next week for the AU Summit. While in France, he will also meet with his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron,” Onanuga stated.
Tinubu’s frequent international travels have sparked public debate, especially amid Nigeria’s economic challenges. Critics question the benefits of these trips, the size of his entourage, and their actual returns for the country.
However, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar has defended the President’s travels, arguing that they are necessary for strengthening diplomatic ties and attracting 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 also highlighted significant investments already secured, including a $2 billion deal from Brazil, insisting that Nigeria “should even travel more.”
Since assuming office in 2023, Tinubu has reportedly embarked on 32 foreign trips across 19 countries.
