French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly cancelled his planned state visit to Nigeria, scheduled for October 28.
According to sources familiar with the arrangement said Macron and President Bola Tinubu agreed to cancel the visit on Thursday, citing concerns over protests in France, Nigeria’s forthcoming presidential election and a newly confirmed Ebola case.
Macron was reportedly concerned that travelling to Nigeria amid ongoing demonstrations in France could be perceived as insensitive. The protests have reportedly led to the closure of over 900 schools, looting and clashes between demonstrators and security officials.
However, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had no official information confirming the cancellation. Its spokesperson, Olufemi Adeniyi, said: “We don’t have that information about this. If there’s an official update in that regard, we’ll put it out”.
Macron’s visit was expected to feature in this year’s French Week, organised by the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He was also scheduled to lead a delegation of French business leaders for meetings with their Nigerian counterparts.
The trip was intended to reciprocate Mr Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France in 2024, which focused on strengthening political, economic and cultural relations.
In July, France’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, said the two leaders would review progress on their bilateral roadmap and outline priorities for future cooperation.
“These will undoubtedly be ambitious and mutually beneficial for our two peoples.
“We want the economic and social development of both our countries, for our citizens, for job creation, and for improving the standards of living, with due respect for the environment, biodiversity, water and air,” he added.
