President Bola Tinubu to leave Abuja for Paris today, as announced by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale. The trip is described as a “private visit,” and Tinubu is expected to return in the first week of February 2024.

This follows a meeting between the President and Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, at the State House a day ago. Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, highlighted that Blinken’s visit aimed to underscore the progress in the US-Africa relationship post the 2022 US-Africa Leaders Summit. Following the meeting, Blinken expressed that American entrepreneurs and companies are prepared to invest in the Nigerian economy. He emphasized US support for utilizing artificial intelligence in blue economy and climate action in Africa, expressing the desire to drive a technological revolution in Nigeria for mutual benefits.

Following his victory in the presidential election last year, Tinubu departed for Paris. Initially stated as a trip for rest, preparation for lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia, and Ramadan fasting, later reports suggested he underwent a medical checkup at the American Hospital of Paris Neuilly-sur-Seine. Subsequently, after participating in the global financial pact summit in France, the presidency announced Tinubu’s short private visit to London.