President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to attend the African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after a working visit to France, where he will meet his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron. This was disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu will join other African leaders at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for February 12–16, 2025, in Addis Ababa.
“The president will arrive in Addis Ababa early next week for the African Union summit. While in France, President Tinubu will meet with his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron,” Onanuga said in a statement.
Tinubu’s frequent international trips have faced public criticism, especially as Nigeria grapples with economic challenges. Many Nigerians have expressed concerns about the size of the president’s entourage and questioned whether these trips have yielded tangible benefits for the country.
However, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, defended the president’s travels during a recent interview on Channels Television. Tuggar emphasized the importance of global engagement, saying such trips are necessary for building strategic relationships and securing foreign investments.
“It is not a fair assessment,” Tuggar said. “The administration is still new. The president needs to interact with his colleagues and fellow heads of state to establish relationships. You can already see the fruits of these trips with investments like the $2 billion deal secured in Brazil.”
Tuggar argued that Nigeria should prioritize more diplomatic engagements, citing the economic benefits that can result from such interactions. He stressed that the cost of the trips is minimal compared to the potential returns in foreign investments and diplomatic advantages.
“Nigeria has the money,” he said. “How much does travelling cost compared to the benefits? The president has already addressed several structural challenges like fuel and electricity subsidies, which were draining national resources. It’s a necessary step for national progress.”
Since taking office in 2023, President Tinubu has reportedly embarked on 32 foreign trips to 19 countries, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic ties and attracting foreign investment.
The upcoming AU Summit will provide an opportunity for President Tinubu to engage with African leaders on key issues such as regional security, economic development, and collaboration in tackling the continent’s challenges.
