French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed his planned state visit to Nigeria due to protests and civil unrest across France.
The diplomatic visit, initially scheduled for October 28 and 29, was suspended due to protest by its citizens on the rising costs of living and deteriorating public services, which escalated into violence on October 17 as buildings were set ablaze and shops looted in several cities. French security forces are currently preparing for another demonstrations expected this weekend.
According to a French presidential source, the ongoing unrest necessitated the delay.
“A president will not travel when his home is contending with internal combustion,” the official stated.
Meanwhile, Nigeria and France have historically maintained cordial diplomatic ties, with cooperation spanning trade, energy security, and investment. President Bola Tinubu has visited France at least nine times since assuming office in 2023, including a three-day state visit in November 2024 to discuss energy transition and solid minerals.
Macron’s trip was aimed at consolidating the agreements reached during previous bilateral engagements. The French leader, whose final term ends in May 2027, last visited Nigeria in July 2018 when he met with former President Muhammadu Buhari and toured the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos.
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