French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed his planned state visit to Nigeria amid continuing protests and unrest in France.
Macron was expected to visit Nigeria on October 28 and 29, but a source within the French presidency confirmed on Friday that the trip had been postponed as the country grapples with growing domestic tensions.
France has recently witnessed demonstrations over rising living costs, public services and conditions in schools. Protests held on October 17 reportedly escalated into violence in several cities, with buildings set on fire and shops looted.
French authorities are now preparing for another round of protests expected on Saturday, adding to concerns over the country’s security situation.
A Nigerian official familiar with the matter also confirmed that the unrest in France played a significant role in the decision to postpone Macron’s visit.
“A president will not travel when his home is contending with internal combustion,” the official said.
Nigeria and France have maintained diplomatic relations, with both countries cooperating in areas including trade, energy, security and investment.
In November 2024, Macron hosted President Bola Tinubu in France for a three-day state visit. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed several areas of cooperation, including finance, energy transition, solid minerals, trade, investment and communications.
Macron’s planned visit to Nigeria was expected to build on the agreements reached during Tinubu’s visit to France.
The French president has maintained close relations with Tinubu since the Nigerian leader assumed office in 2023. Tinubu has travelled to France at least nine times since becoming president for official engagements, working holidays and private visits.
Macron last visited Nigeria as French president in July 2018. During that trip, he met with former President Muhammadu Buhari and visited the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos, a popular entertainment venue associated with Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Macron’s latest postponement means the anticipated discussions between both countries will have to wait, although no new date for the Nigerian visit was provided in the supplied report.
