Tinubu lands in Lagos after international engagements

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu returned to Lagos on Friday evening following a diplomatic tour of France, Kenya and Rwanda, where he pushed Nigeria’s economic reform agenda and sought stronger international partnerships aimed at driving Africa’s development.

The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 7:12 p.m., according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

He was received by 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, alongside other government officials.

During his stay in France, Bola Ahmed Tinubu held meetings with global investors, where he defended his administration’s economic reforms, stressing transparency, fiscal discipline and the need for bold policy decisions to stabilise the Nigerian economy.

The President also participated in the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, co-hosted by Emmanuel Macron and William Ruto. At the summit, Tinubu advocated reforms in the global financial system and called for deeper economic integration across the African continent.

He further projected Nigeria’s blue economy potential as a major driver of Africa’s future growth, while pledging to make Nigeria’s maritime intelligence infrastructure available to willing Gulf of Guinea nations to strengthen regional security and economic cooperation.

While in Nairobi, the Nigerian leader also held bilateral talks with Madagascan President Michael Randrianirina.

In Kigali, Rwanda, President Tinubu attended the Africa CEO Forum alongside African leaders, investors and chief executives from global and African companies. Discussions at the forum centred on strategies to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation through regional integration, cross-border investments and shared economic growth.

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

According to the presidency, the meetings yielded favourable outcomes, particularly in areas relating to investment and economic cooperation.

President Tinubu also featured in panel discussions during the trip, where he outlined the objectives and expected impact of his administration’s ongoing economic reform programmes.

The President is expected to remain in Lagos for the All Progressives Congress primary elections scheduled to begin on Saturday.

Ahead of the exercise, Tinubu had urged party members and aspirants to maintain peace and conduct themselves as sportsmen and women in the interest of both the ruling party and the country.