Tinubu delays three-nation trip by one day, Presidency announces

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has rescheduled the commencement of his three-nation diplomatic trip to France, Kenya and Rwanda, shifting his departure from Saturday to Sunday, in a last-minute adjustment to his official itinerary.

The update was disclosed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that the trip would now begin a day later than earlier announced.

The development marks a slight modification to a previously released State House statement, which had indicated that the President would depart Abuja on Saturday, May 2, for the high-level diplomatic engagements.

According to the earlier briefing by Onanuga, the President is scheduled to begin the tour in France before proceeding to Nairobi, Kenya, where he will participate in the Africa-France Summit slated for May 11–12.

The summit, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto, will focus on key global and continental issues, including energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, climate action and reforms to the global financial system.

Following the Kenya engagement, President Tinubu is expected to travel to Kigali, Rwanda, for the Africa CEO Forum scheduled for May 14–15, where African and global business leaders will deliberate on investment, economic growth and regional integration.

The Presidency had earlier noted that Tinubu’s participation in the engagements is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s strategic partnerships with African countries and France, while also showcasing ongoing economic reforms to attract investment.

Although no official reason was provided for the rescheduling, the adjustment is not expected to significantly alter the President’s core engagements across the three countries.