Tinubu returns to Lagos after France, Kenya, Rwanda diplomatic tour

President Bola Tinubu on Friday returned to Lagos after concluding official engagements in France, Kenya and Rwanda focused on investment, economic reforms and regional cooperation.

The presidential aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, around 7:12 pm, according to presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa and other senior government officials.

The president began the tour in France, where he met with global investors and held discussions aimed at attracting investment into Nigeria.

He later travelled to Nairobi, Kenya, for the Africa Forward Summit co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto.

At the summit, Tinubu advocated reforms in the global financial system and called for stronger economic integration among African countries. He also highlighted opportunities in Nigeria’s blue economy and proposed enhanced maritime intelligence collaboration among Gulf of Guinea nations.

While in Nairobi, the president held bilateral talks with Madagascar’s President Michael Randrianirina.

Tinubu’s final stop was Kigali, Rwanda, where he attended the Africa CEO Forum alongside African leaders, global investors and business executives.

At the forum, discussions focused on accelerating Africa’s economic transformation through regional integration, industrial growth and cross-border investments.

The president also met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and held separate engagements with delegations from multilateral organisations and private firms, including the International Finance Corporation, APM Terminals and the Winme Group.

He further participated in panel sessions where he outlined his administration’s economic reform agenda and investment priorities.

According to Onanuga, the foreign engagements yielded positive outcomes, particularly in discussions with investors and development partners interested in Nigeria’s economy.

The presidential aide added that Tinubu is expected to participate in the All Progressives Congress primary elections scheduled to begin on Saturday in Lagos.

Ahead of the exercise, the president urged party members to ensure peaceful and transparent primaries.