Nigerian President Bola Tinubu arrived in Paris on Thursday for a two-day state visit, marking the first official visit by a Nigerian leader to France in over 20 years. The trip, which focuses on deepening economic cooperation between the two countries, comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to attract foreign investment to address soaring inflation and food insecurity.
The visit was formally welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Invalides memorial complex, with both leaders expressing hopes for stronger economic and strategic ties. Macron has been working to renew France’s relationship with Africa since his election in 2017, particularly in the wake of political instability in former French colonies.
In a statement, Macron’s office highlighted the importance of the visit, calling it an opportunity to further the "dynamic relationship" between France and Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and a key oil producer. Nigeria is also home to Nollywood, one of the world's largest film industries. However, the country is facing major challenges, including insecurity and corruption, which have left over half its population living below the poverty line.
For Nigeria, the trip represents a chance to secure investment in sectors including agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, and energy transition, according to Tinubu's office. Nigeria, which has struggled with high inflation and food prices, is keen to enhance ties with France to help address these issues.
The visit also highlights France’s broader strategy to increase engagement with English-speaking African countries. With its past colonial ties in West and Central Africa, France has increasingly looked to improve relations with countries like Nigeria, which is now its largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, surpassing South Africa.
This shift in focus comes after a series of military coups in countries such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have reduced France’s influence in the Sahel region. The region’s political instability, including the rise of jihadist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP in northern Nigeria, has presented ongoing challenges to both local governments and international partners.
Despite these challenges, Nigeria remains a critical partner for France, particularly as urbanization and a growing middle class continue to drive economic opportunities across Africa. Macron’s strategy in anglophone Africa aims to foster "partnerships of equals" while avoiding the influence of the country’s colonial history.
Looking ahead, France hopes to further its engagement with Nigeria and other African nations at the upcoming Africa-France Summit in 2026, with countries like Kenya and Zambia also expected to play a role in future partnerships.
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