Since taking office in May 2023, President Bola Tinubu’s frequent trips to France have ignited curiosity and debate among Nigerians. With at least eight visits to the European country since March 2023—seven of which occurred during his presidency—the pressing question remains: what is drawing Tinubu to France?
On Thursday, the Presidency announced that Tinubu would embark on a 10-day working vacation beginning September 4, 2025, which further amplifies the intrigue surrounding his multiple trips to Paris. These visits encompass a mix of diplomatic engagements and speculation about personal reasons, leading to numerous unanswered questions.
Reasons Behind Tinubu’s Frequent Trips to France
1. Diplomatic and Economic Relations
A major focus of Tinubu’s visits is to enhance the diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and France. As Nigeria’s top trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, bilateral trade reached over $5 billion in 2023. Notably, Tinubu’s state visit in November 2024—the first by a Nigerian leader in 24 years—was aimed at boosting investments in crucial sectors such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure.
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2. Strategic Meetings
France has served as a venue for significant meetings during Tinubu’s presidency. His April 2025 visit, labeled a “working visit,” was primarily to assess his administration’s performance mid-term and consider necessary adjustments. Notably, he has met with French President Emmanuel Macron multiple times, including in February 2025 prior to an African Union summit.
3. Speculation About Health
Critics have raised concerns about whether Tinubu’s frequent trips are related to his health. Speculative “private visits” in January 2024, August 2024, and February 2025 are believed to have had medical purposes, although they were officially categorized as diplomatic or personal. The Presidency has refuted these allegations, with Senior Special Assistant on Print Media, AbdulAziz AbdulAziz, denying claims regarding the President’s health.
4. France’s African Strategy
The decline of France’s influence in its former colonies, such as Mali and Niger, amid competition from China and Russia, underscores the strategic significance of Tinubu’s visits. These trips align with France’s objective to reinforce economic ties, particularly as French corporations like Danone and TotalEnergies are already engaged in business in Nigeria.
5. Personal Connection
Beyond his role as president, Tinubu has a long-standing affinity for France, having visited the country even before taking office. Since May 2023, he has reportedly spent at least 59 days in France across these eight trips—more than any other country.
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s continual visits signify Nigeria’s ambitions to enhance its global standing. However, the opacity surrounding many of these trips raises critical questions about their true nature. As he continues to travel to Paris, the unanswered question lingers: what exactly is in France for President Tinubu?
