MACRON WELCOMES TINUBU TO FRANCE

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After a string of defeats with old allies on the continent, President Bola Tinubu embarked on a two-day visit to France on Thursday, with both countries hoping to expand economic cooperation and Paris hoping to strengthen connections in English-speaking Africa.

In the first official state visit by a Nigerian leader in over 20 years, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed his counterpart at the ancient Invalides memorial complex.

A tour aimed at promoting economic ties between France and the most populous nation in Africa began with the playing of the two national anthems in the courtyard of a famous Parisian building.

Macron has sought a “renewal” between Paris and Africa since his 2017 election and after military coups and changing attitudes lessened France’s influence on the continent.

The trip is “an opportunity to deepen the already dynamic relationship between France and Nigeria”, Macron’s office said.

The west African country is the continent’s leading oil producer and has a robust film industry, dubbed “Nollywood”.

But challenges posed by insecurity and corruption have left 129 million Nigerians — more than half the country’s population — living below the poverty line.

For Nigeria, which has been battling soaring inflation and food prices, the visit represents an opportunity to tap economic investment.

Nigeria was looking to build ties in “agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation and energy transition,” Tinubu’s office said in a statement, adding that the president had landed in Paris on Wednesday evening.

He and Macron will also address “shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication,” it added.