Victor EzejaNigeria’s Presidency has shared insights into what President Bola Tinubu discussed with a State Department representative from President Donald Trump’s administration, who visited him in Paris, France, on Thursday.
A statement by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said the meeting between the President and Mr. Massad Boulos, Trump’s Senior Advisor for Africa, “focused on developing a strategic economic and security partnership between Nigeria, Africa, and the United States, anchored on mutual respect, prosperity, and regional stability.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelOnanuga stated that the US State Department representative conveyed President Trump’s strong interest in deepening direct engagement with Nigeria as a cornerstone of US relations with Africa.
Boulos said the US wanted to work closely with Tinubu’s administration to expand American investment in Nigeria and Africa, support energy and infrastructure development, and align trade and job creation efforts.
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The statement added that President Trump’s advisor recognised Nigeria’s regional and continental leadership and supported Tinubu’s interventions to stabilise key African regions.
“President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to build productive alliances with the United States, centred on transparency, opportunity, mutual respect and outcomes that strengthen Africa’s place in the global economy,” the statement added.
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In a post on X, U.S. Mission Nigeria said Boulos met with President Tinubu to discuss issues about regional security including working together with partners to build a durable peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. “They also discussed expanding opportunities for economic cooperation throughout Africa,” it added.
Tinubu travelled to Paris on 2 April, on a short working visit. Onanuga explained that President Tinubu would, during the visit, appraise his administration’s midterm performance and assess key milestones and the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his second anniversary.
In about 19 months as president, Tinubu has so far undertaken 29 international trips to 19 countries.
Paris, London, New York, Saudi Arabia, and Germany are some of the notable destinations. His aides have said the frequent travels were mainly to foster international relations and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to as part of efforts to boost the country’s economy.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
