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French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed his planned state visit to Nigeria until early 2027.Nigeria news updates

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the development follows an agreement between Macron and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The trip was initially scheduled for October 29 to November 6, 2026.

The specific reasons for the postponement have not been disclosed, while a new date for the visit has yet to be announced.

Macron’s planned visit had earlier been announced by French diplomatic officials as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations between both countries.

The visit was also expected to build on agreements and discussions from Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France in November 2024, during which both leaders explored opportunities for cooperation in finance, energy transition, solid minerals, trade, investment and communications.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had previously explained that Tinubu’s visit to France was intended to strengthen political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries while creating additional opportunities for cooperation.

Macron’s proposed trip would have been his first visit to Nigeria since July 2018, when he visited the country during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The postponement also comes days after former South-East presidential spokesman Denge Josef Onoh urged the French president to suspend his planned visit and focus on domestic challenges before undertaking diplomatic engagements abroad.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Onoh argued that Macron should reconsider the timing of the visit, citing reported unrest in France and the need for the French government to address pressing domestic concerns.

“True statesmanship requires prioritising the home front when the foundations are shaking,” Onoh said.

He questioned the appropriateness of Macron travelling to Nigeria for diplomatic engagements while France was reportedly experiencing unrest, arguing that the president should prioritise addressing the concerns of French citizens.

“President Macron cannot be seen playing global politics and chasing bilateral photo-ops in Abuja while the streets of Paris and other French cities are burning. You do not go structural shopping in Africa when your own house is on fire,” he said.

Onoh also urged the French government to prioritise the country’s long-standing national values over immediate political considerations, expressing concern that domestic instability could threaten the social fabric supporting France’s cultural heritage.

“It is time for the French government to focus on enduring French values over temporary political values,” he added.

The former presidential spokesman also argued that Nigeria should carefully consider the timing of the proposed engagement as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

According to him, Nigeria must concentrate on addressing its domestic challenges, rebuilding its economy and restoring public confidence in its institutions.

“Nigeria has its problems, and it is the sole responsibility of Nigerians to focus on and solve their own problems,” Onoh said.Buy Maps

He maintained that although Nigeria remained open to international partnerships, diplomatic engagements should involve partners capable of managing their domestic affairs while pursuing cooperation abroad.

“We love diplomacy, and Nigeria remains a premier destination for global partnerships. However, we need a French President who is stable at home to partner with us effectively abroad,” he said.

“For the sake of the French people and the integrity of international diplomacy, President Macron should stay in Paris, face the protesters, address their grievances, and reschedule his Nigerian visit for a time when France is not burning.”

Onoh cited the postponement of a planned state visit by Britain’s King Charles III to France in March 2023 amid widespread protests against pension reforms. He also referred to the May 1968 unrest under former French President Charles de Gaulle and the suburban riots of 2005 under former President Jacques Chirac as examples of periods when domestic instability placed pressure on French administrations.

Macron, who began his second and final presidential term in 2022, is expected to leave office in May 2027, when his current constitutional term ends.

He has maintained diplomatic relations with Tinubu since the Nigerian leader assumed office in May 2023.

TheStoriesOfMan:
And Macron was looking forward to the visit, to say a special thankyou to Tinubu for helping him wash the toilets when he was away to America for UN meeting.

Chai... it's so sad.

And Tinubu was to give him a guard of honour with Macron holding his hands so that he doesn't tip over and fall to the ground.

I really anticipated it.

FreeStuffsNG:
France is on fire, he can't be elsewhere or travel far and spend days away at the moment

FreeStuffsNG:
France is on fire, he can't be elsewhere or travel far and spend days away at the moment

AustineE1:
This is how responsible presidents behave,you cant expect Macron to leave France for Nigeria when students are protesting the hardship bedeviling their country.
Unlike here,when even terrorists massacre our people and Nigerians are held in captivity by so called bandits,our president still embarked on holiday in France....we are a shameless nation,we are so pathetic,these men from saner nations,look at our foolery and nod their heads in disbelieve.
'Data boys' are ever ready to defend whatever atrocities committed by these goons,indeed 'slaves that loves their chains'.

Ofunaofu:
https://politicsnigeria.com/2026/10/23/breaking-french-president-macron-postpones-planned-visit-to-nigeria/?utm_source=operamini&utm_medium=feednews&utm_campaign=operamini_feednews

laivwire:
After all the trips to France, we cannot point to any single diplomatic benefit for Nigerians in France even till this day.

While other African countries like Cameroon, Morocco etc enjoy streamlined residence permit processes, or can easily swap their driving licences for a French one based in recognition, Nigerians still go through the long arduous process for every single administration process.

They keep posting shiny pictures at dinner tables, comedic musical performances or print promises of business deals with no evidence on improving the life of the average Nigerian both home and abroad. Such a shame.

FreeStuffsNG:
France is on fire, he can't be elsewhere or travel far and spend days away at the moment