Tinubu and Macron’s Private Meeting: Strengthening Nigeria-France Ties Amid Working Vacation
On September 10, 2025, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu held a private working lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris, marking a key diplomatic engagement during Tinubu’s ongoing working vacation in Europe. The meeting, described by Tinubu as “productive,” focused on reviewing bilateral cooperation and exploring ways to deepen partnerships for mutual economic prosperity and global stability. This encounter underscores Nigeria’s push for foreign investment and France’s efforts to bolster ties with African nations amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The Setting: A Low-Key Diplomatic Lunch
Tinubu, who departed Abuja on September 4 for a 10-day working leave, arrived in Paris as part of his European itinerary. The private lunch at the Élysée Palace lasted about two hours and was attended by a small Nigerian delegation, emphasizing discretion over pomp. Official photos released by the Nigerian State House showed the two leaders exchanging greetings before proceeding to discussions, with Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, sharing images on X (formerly Twitter).
Tinubu, in a post on his verified X account, highlighted the session’s outcomes: “We reviewed key areas of cooperation between Nigeria and France and agreed to deepen our partnership for mutual prosperity and global stability.” While specific agenda details were not fully disclosed due to the private nature of the talks, sources indicate the conversation built on prior engagements, including Tinubu’s state visit to France in November 2024.
This marks Tinubu’s seventh trip to Paris since taking office in May 2023 and his third in 2025, reflecting a consistent effort to elevate Nigeria-France relations. Macron’s office described the interaction as an opportunity to “deepen the already dynamic relationship” between the two countries, with France viewing Nigeria as its top trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa.
Key Discussion Topics: Bilateral Cooperation and Investment
The leaders delved into several critical areas of mutual interest, prioritizing economic and security collaboration. Primary focuses included:
- Economic Partnership and Investment: Discussions emphasized increasing French investments in Nigeria’s solid minerals and agriculture sectors, aligning with Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” to diversify the economy beyond oil. Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s openness for business, particularly in renewable energy and infrastructure development, where French firms like TotalEnergies and Vinci could expand. Trade and finance were also on the table, with potential for joint ventures in solid minerals extraction and agricultural modernization to boost food security.
- Security and Counter-Terrorism: Amid ongoing threats from groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP in West Africa, the duo addressed counter-terrorism strategies. France, through operations like Barkhane (now scaled back), seeks to maintain influence in the Sahel, and the talks likely explored intelligence sharing and military cooperation. This aligns with broader regional stability efforts, including Nigeria’s role in ECOWAS.
- Other Sectors: Broader topics encompassed education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition. Tinubu pushed for private sector involvement in Nigeria’s food security programs, inviting French companies to invest. The meeting also touched on shared values in communication and global stability, potentially including climate initiatives given France’s leadership in the Paris Agreement.
These talks build on the Nigeria-France Business Council framework, aiming to facilitate deals worth billions in trade, which already exceeds €5 billion annually. No major agreements were announced immediately, but insiders suggest follow-up mechanisms, such as joint working groups, could emerge soon.
Background: Tinubu’s Working Vacation and France’s African Strategy
Tinubu’s trip is part of his 2025 annual leave, combining rest with diplomacy—his 15th international outing this year across 11 countries. Prior to Paris, he engaged in similar meetings during vacations, emphasizing economic diplomacy to attract FDI amid Nigeria’s reforms like the Nigeria Tax Act 2025.
For France, the meeting fits Macron’s post-2017 “renewal” of African relations, shifting focus from Francophone setbacks in the Sahel (e.g., coups in Mali and Burkina Faso) to Anglophone powerhouses like Nigeria. Amid competition from China and Russia, Paris aims to counterbalance influence through economic incentives, with Nigeria’s market of 220 million people offering prime opportunities.
This is not their first interaction; a November 2024 state visit laid groundwork for enhanced ties in agriculture, security, and energy. Macron greeted Tinubu warmly in past encounters, even using Nigerian Pidgin English on social media to signal cultural affinity.
Public Reactions: Mixed Sentiments on Social Media
The meeting sparked varied responses on X, where Tinubu’s post received over 4,000 likes but also drew criticism. Supporters praised it as a “step toward stronger ties,” with users like @Adedoyinni celebrating the diplomatic win. Nigerian media outlets, including Channels Television and ThisDay, highlighted the productivity of the talks.
However, skeptics questioned the optics. Posts from users like @LaVidaMercy noted the lack of acknowledgment from Macron’s team—no French posts or press releases—fueling speculation of a “staged” event amid Nigeria’s domestic challenges like power outages and insecurity. Critics, including @ruffydfire and @InibeheEffiong, mocked the visit to a “collapsed” French economy, asking for tangible benefits to Nigerians. Humorous takes, like @0xAuthority’s comment on Tinubu’s attire, added levity.
Analysts, such as those from the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, view it positively as part of Tinubu’s strategy to position Nigeria as Africa’s investment gateway, though they urge quick follow-through on deals.
Broader Implications for Nigeria and Global Relations
This meeting holds significance for Nigeria’s economy, potentially unlocking French capital for infrastructure and green energy projects, crucial as the country grapples with 34% inflation and $100 billion in infrastructure deficits. Enhanced security ties could aid Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, benefiting regional stability.
For France, it counters waning influence in Africa, with Macron prioritizing economic diplomacy over military interventions. Globally, it signals stronger EU-Africa collaboration amid U.S.-China rivalries.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Deeper Collaboration
President Tinubu’s discussions with President Macron centered on bolstering economic, security, and developmental ties, with commitments to expand investments and partnerships. While details remain high-level due to the private format, the meeting reinforces Nigeria-France relations as a pillar of mutual growth. As Tinubu proceeds to the UK before returning home, expect announcements on specific initiatives, potentially including business deals at upcoming forums. This engagement highlights proactive diplomacy, though public calls for transparency and domestic impact will likely intensify.