Ismail Abdulazeez Reporting
At the prestigious Élysée Palace in Paris on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria held a private working lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron, signaling renewed commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation between the two nations.
The closed-door engagement, described by diplomatic aides as “warm and strategic,” focused on strengthening bilateral relations in areas such as trade, energy transition, regional security, and cultural exchange. Both leaders also reportedly discussed shared interests in addressing global challenges, including climate change, migration, and counter-terrorism in West Africa.
President Tinubu, who has been pushing for stronger international partnerships to support Nigeria’s economic reforms, emphasized the importance of France’s role as a strategic ally in Europe. President Macron, in turn, reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in fostering sustainable development and maintaining stability in the Sahel region.
The meeting comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to attract greater foreign investment and France is expanding its partnerships across Africa beyond its traditional spheres of influence.
While no immediate agreements were announced, officials hinted that the discussions laid the groundwork for future collaborations in technology, infrastructure, and renewable energy.