Tinubu embarks on ‘private visit’ to France today

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja today for Paris, the French capital.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, cited “a private visit” as the reason for Tinubu’s trip.

“He will return to the country in the first week of February, 2024”, Ngelale added.

The development comes a day after the president met with Antony Blinken, US secretary of state, at the State House.

Matthew Miller, spokesperson of the US department of state, said Blinken’s visit was aimed at underlining the progression of the US’ relationship with the continent after the US–Africa leaders summit of 2022.

After the meeting, Blinken said American entrepreneurs and companies are ready to invest in the Nigerian economy.

He also said the US is supporting the use of artificial intelligence for blue economy and climate action in Africa, adding that the US wants to drive a technological revolution in Nigeria for the benefit of both countries.

Shortly after winning the presidential election last year, Tinubu departed for Paris.

Tunde Rahman, his media aide at the time, said the trip was to enable Tinubu “rest and prepare for lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia and Ramadan fasting”.

However, a report had said the president was undergoing medical checkup at the American Hospital of Paris Neuilly-sur-Seine.

Months later, after attending the global financial pact summit in France, the presidency announced that Tinubu headed to London on a “short private visit”.