Macron and Tinubu meet in Paris to boost Nigeria-France ties
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Paris for a two-day state visit, the first by a Nigerian leader in over 20 years. Both leaders aim to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties. Tinubu emphasized Nigeria's openness to business, seeking increased foreign investment in sectors like agriculture, security, and energy. Bilateral trade between Nigeria and France exceeded $5 billion in 2023, primarily driven by Nigeria's oil exports. This visit occurs as France seeks to enhance its relationships in Africa amid growing competition from China and Russia. Macron aims to renew ties with African nations, despite recent challenges in former colonies.