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Barring any further change of plans, French President Emmanuel Macron has cancelled his visit to Nigeria, PREMIUM TIMES can report.
Mr Macron cancelled his trip, initially scheduled for Wednesday, 28 October, due to concerns about the ongoing protests in France, Nigeria’s upcoming presidential election, and the new Ebola case.
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Nigerian sources briefed about the planned visit told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Macron and President Bola Tinubu agreed on Thursday to cancel the state visit.
Mr Macron feared that a trip to Nigeria amid the ongoing demonstrations across France could be seen as insensitive and irresponsible. The violent demonstrations in the country that began in September have led to the closure of over 900 schools, looting, and a face-off between rioters and security officials.
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Mr Tinubu also reportedly expressed concern that Mr Macron’s visit, about three months before the Nigerian presidential election, could invite accusations of foreign influence.
Mr Tinubu is seeking reelection in a country where some citizens are angry at his performance. Many are dissatisfied with his administration, particularly over the high cost of living, inflation, fuel price increases, unemployment, and insecurity.
His relations with France have also come under scrutiny. Mr Tinubu’s last trip to Paris drew public condemnation, due to his absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the extension of his “working vacation.”
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There were also concerns about the recently confirmed Ebola case in the country.
PREMIUM TIMES reached out to the French Embassy press department over the cancellation of Mr Macron’s visit, but it declined to comment.
This paper also contacted the spokesperson of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Olufemi Adeniyi, who said the ministry has not received any information about the cancellation of Mr Macron’s visit.
“We don’t have that information about this. If there’s an official update in that regard, we’ll put it out,” he said.
France has remained Mr Tinubu’s top destination since assuming office in 2025. The country is also one of Nigeria’s closest allies.
Mr Macron’s planned visit was scheduled to be part of the activities for this year’s French Week, organised by the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The French leader was to be accompanied by a delegation of French businesspeople who will meet with Nigerian counterparts.
The trip also reciprocates Mr Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France in 2024, which focused on “strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations.”
READ ALSO: France reports first human case of Shamonda virus as patient dies
French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, in July said the two leaders “will assess the progress of our roadmap and outline the key elements of our relationship for the years to come.”
He also noted that the visit would allow both countries to review their growing strategic partnership and chart a new course for future cooperation.
“These will undoubtedly be ambitious and mutually beneficial for our two peoples,” he said.
“We want the economic and social development of both our countries, for our citizens, for job creation, and for improving the standards of living, with due respect for the environment, biodiversity, water and air,” he noted.
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