French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed his planned state visit to Nigeria until early 2027 following an agreement with President Bola Tinubu
The visit, initially scheduled for October 29 to November 6, 2026, was deferred by both leaders, according to information on the visit.
A French presidential source also confirmed on Friday that Macron had postponed planned visits to Nigeria and Senegal.
The source did not directly identify the reason for the postponement but described the trip as involving a “diplomatic and cooperation agenda”.
The specific reasons for the change in schedule have not been officially disclosed, and new dates for the visit have yet to be announced.
Macron’s visit was expected to strengthen relations between France and Nigeria, with discussions anticipated on trade, investment, economic cooperation and other areas of mutual interest.
The postponement comes amid unrest in France, where demonstrations that began over staff shortages and poor facilities in schools have spread nationwide.
The protests have also expanded to include concerns over the rising cost of living.
However, the French presidential source did not explicitly link the unrest to the decision to postpone the visits.
Macron’s planned trip would have followed Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France in November 2024, during which the two leaders discussed finance, energy transition, solid minerals, trade, investment and communications.
At the time, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the visit was aimed at “strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership”.
Tinubu has visited France several times since taking office in May 2023 for official engagements, working visits and private trips.
Macron, whose second and final presidential term is due to end in May 2027, has maintained close relations with Tinubu since the Nigerian leader assumed office.
The rescheduled visit is expected to provide another opportunity for both countries to discuss cooperation, although the agenda and dates have yet to be confirmed.
