President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja following a diplomatic tour that took him to France and South Africa, aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s global partnerships. The President’s aircraft landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 9:10 p.m., where he was welcomed by senior government officials.
The visit to France, which commenced on November 27 at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, focused on enhancing bilateral relations across key sectors. Discussions between both leaders spanned critical areas including agriculture, security, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, innovation, and energy transition. The talks underscored Nigeria’s commitment to collaborative solutions in these fields, reflecting President Tinubu’s broader vision of fostering international cooperation for national development.
Following his engagements in France, President Tinubu proceeded to Cape Town, South Africa, where he co-chaired the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa. Established in 1999, the BNC serves as a platform to deepen cooperation between the two nations in diplomacy, trade, and security.
This year’s session marked a significant milestone, as it was only the second time the commission convened at the Heads of State level since its inaugural meeting in October 2019 in Pretoria. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties and advancing mutual interests.
The meetings highlighted the strategic importance of Nigeria and South Africa’s partnership on the African continent and the potential for joint initiatives that promote economic growth and regional stability.
As President Tinubu returns to Nigeria, the outcomes of these high-level engagements are expected to shape future policy directions and enhance Nigeria’s standing in global affairs.