President Bola Tinubu on Thursday commenced a two-day state visit to France aimed at deepening economic cooperation between the two nations.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Tinubu at the historic Invalides Memorial Complex in Paris, marking a Nigerian leader’s first official state visit to France in over two decades.
The visit underscores France’s efforts to strengthen ties with English-speaking Africa following recent diplomatic challenges with former allies on the continent.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to lead the Nigeria delegation to the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National meeting.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigeria – South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 28 November to 3 December 2024.
The Nigeria – South Africa Bi-National Commission was created to facilitate cooperation between the two countries in areas such as defence and security, science and technology, education and culture, manufacturing, and energy.
The statement which was signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja stated: “His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the Meeting.”
The president only on Wednesday departed for France on a three-day official visit at the instance of the French President Emmanuel Macron.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is expected to lead the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegation to participate at the Ministerial Meeting of the BNC.
While in Cape Town, the Nigeria delegation is expected to participate in the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) scheduled for 28th – 30th November 2024, the Ministerial meeting on the 2nd December, and the BNC (Presidential) Meeting scheduled for the 3rd December 2024.
The statement further stated: “The 11th Session of the BNC will among others provide a framework for collaborative and cooperative efforts to bring Africa into the mainstream of global political, social and economic developments; afford the governments and private sectors of both countries to consult each other on their respective economies and investment climates to promote trade and industry; improve bilateral relations in the field of technology, education, health, culture, youth, and sports; utilize the generous endowments of both countries to maximize socio-economic development, through economies of scale, global competitiveness, and specialization; and establish the mechanisms for putting the benefits of economic cooperation to the service of peace, stability, social integration and economic development in other parts of the continent.”
President Bola Tinubu has arrived at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 19th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20).
The President, who arrived on Sunday at 11.03 p.m. local time, (Monday 3. 03 a.m. Nigerian time), was received by Amb. Breno Costa in the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil.
He was accompanied by Mr Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, and Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Tourism, Culture and Creativity.
Others are: Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, and Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency.
President Tinubu is also expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit in advancement of Nigeria’s socio-economic reforms.
Mr Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, is hosting the 2024 G20 summit having held the group’s rotating presidency since Dec. 21, 2023. His tenure ends on Nov. 30.
The summit, with the theme: “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” will focus on three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social, and environmental – and the reform of global governance.
It will also highlight the rising of global temperatures and the principles of digital economy, among other themes.
The Brazilian presidency will also treat as priority, the Israel–Hamas war and rising bloc confrontation between the United States and China.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conclusion of the work carried out by the country holding the G20 rotating presidency is usually presented at the annual summit.
It is the moment when heads of state and government approve the agreements negotiated throughout the year and point out ways of dealing with global challenges.
NAN also reports that the Leaders’ Summit, the climax of the G20 work carried out over the year through Ministerial Meetings, Working Groups, and Engagement Groups, would be presented for adoption at the summit.
The summit will be attended by 19 member countries that include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, France, India and Indonesia.
Others are: Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the UK and the US.
In line with the theme of the summit, da Silva declared a three-point agenda of combating hunger, poverty and inequality at the summit scheduled to hold from Nov. 18 to Nov. 19.
President Tinubu is attending the 2024 G20 summit as the organisers invited representatives of the African Union and the European Union.
Mr Carlos Areias, Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, conveyed President Da Silva’s invitation to Tinubu to attend the 2024 G20 summit on Aug. 29, when he presented his Letter of Credence to him.
Areias had said Da Silva was looking forward to welcoming President Tinubu to the G20 Leaders’ Summit, saying that food security was the main proposal of the Brazilian presidency at the G20 to eliminate extreme poverty by 2030.
(NAN)
President Bola Tinubu on Monday held talks with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
The talks between the two leaders took place on the sidelines of the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Presidential spokesperson Mr. Bayo Onanuga has said that suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Betta Edu has been formally relieved of her ministerial duties after President Bola Tinubu’s recent cabinet shuffle.
He said this during an appearance in Sunday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today.
This announcement ended months of conjecture that she might be reinstated to her former position.
The Nation reported Tinubu suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, from office, over an alleged N585m scandal in the Ministry.
The President also directed Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.
Onanuga said on Edu’s permanent exit: “I think there is another person from Cross River in the cabinet. Betta Edu is gone. Don’t forget that she was suspended in January, and this is October.
“No, she is gone. Her position has been taken over by someone else — that’s the man from Plateau (Nentawe) who is now assuming the role. For this government, there is no place for her in the cabinet.”
Onanuga added: “The EFCC has not shared whatever they have, but if you consider the president’s action, it suggests that the EFCC may have submitted something that justified the president’s decision.”
Presidency yesterday waved off the “T-Pain” moniker directed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as mischief-driven and a non-issue.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who defended his principal, insisted that Nigeria is on steady path toward recovery and growth.
Onanuga emphasized that President Tinubu remained focused on addressing the challenges facing Nigerians.
He said the President is well aware of the difficulties citizens are experiencing and has consistently acknowledged their struggles, assuring that he is working tirelessly to provide relief and foster prosperity.
Onanuga, who chronicled the government’s accomplishments, countered criticisms about the state of the economy. He spoke on a television programme monitored by this newspaper.
“Despite inflation, we are still recording economic growth,” Onanuga said.
Highlighted the first two quarters of the year, during which the country saw positive economic trends, Onanuga said: “In the first half of this year, we recorded about $9.1 trillion in revenue,” he explained, noting that this achievement was made without significant revenue from oil, a sector traditionally relied upon by the Nigerian economy.
“Mainly, the money collected came from industries, from other sources.”
The Presidential spokesman disagreed that the economy regressing, but rather “improving.”
He pointed to the export figures, which have surpassed imports, a development he termed a “positive sign.”
The special adviser went on: “Look at the stock market -people who invested there are making money. Our stock index has gone up to about 100, 000.”
Acknowledging some of the challenges, Onanuga expressed confidence that upcoming harvests would help bring prices down.
“The CBN has been hiking interest rates because it wants to control inflation. Food inflation is the main driver,” he said.
Beyond the economy, Onanuga also addressed recent criticisms levied against the government, particularly the nickname “T-Pain” given to the President by some citizens on social media – to reflect the economic hardship many feel.
Dismiss the moniker, he said: “The President does not read what is in the social media.”
Emphasising that Tinubu was aware of the country’s difficulties, he said “the name holds little weight”.
“The president has never shied away from telling Nigerians that he feels their pain,” Onanuga said, adding that the president is working diligently to bring relief to the nation.
President Bola Tinubu has been hailed over his determination to reposition Nigerian sports, with the reintroduction of the National Sports Commission as replacement for the scrapped Ministry of Sports Development following the appointment of an erudite sports administrator, Mallam Shehu Dikko.
Comrade Abayomi Ogunjimi, President of the Authentic Nigeria Football & Allied Sports Supporters Club, has described Dikko’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu as a fantastic development.
“President Bola Tinubu has brought joy to our hearts with the appointment of Shehu Dikko to lead sports in Nigeria. I mean this is a great development. Shehu Dikko is a round peg in a round hole. He is an expert in sports administration. Someone who knows the problems and solutions to Nigerian sports,” Abayomi said in a released shared with Nation Sports.
“Dikko has a fantastic track record in sports administration. He did very well as a sports consultant. We all saw how he transformed the Nigerian league as well. He is a man full of ideas and innovation. This is the best news for Nigerian sports sector.
“ We as the stakeholders, we know the right things and the right people when we see them. I’m so glad to know that that President Bola Tinubu has love for Nigerian sports and he understands the yearnings of the people in this sector.
“The Authentic Nigeria Football & Allied Sports Supporters Club feels so motivated with this latest development. We are also going to do more to support our sports. This is just amazing for sports in Nigeria,” he affirmed.
Dikko was appointed as LMC chairman on December 26, 2014 and reappointed Chairman on April 4, 2019.
A top clearing and forwarding expert Mr. Uche Idechchukuka has commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for improving the economy through positive reforms in import and export activities in the Ports.
Idechchukuka, an Igbo businessman, in a statement, also said the policies as implemented by the Controller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi have created a congenial operational environment for importers and exporters in the country
He said:”President Tinubu is embarking on national economic policies that will see a sustainable development across the country. Today the system of clearing is completely changed and the importers and exporters are happy in their transactions.
Idechchukuka, who is a member of the Tinubu support group, the Good Governance group and the southern Youth Development Forum, also commended the CG of Customs for positively interpreting and inplemening the vision and mandate of current in the management of the nation’s ports.
He said: “I commend the Customs Controller-General for disbanding the strike force units and taking decisions which enhances business operations.
“I appeal for more efforts to eradicate some unscrupulous people who are working against the interest of the custom.
“In ths area of Nigeria’s huge and porous but vast border the present C.G has shown his vast experience too for he has made sure that he included other paramilitary organizations to form a joint Task Force to man Nigerian borders thus reducing the inflow and outflow criminals and smugglers into the nation”.
The CEO of Egoyibo added: “The CG of Customs has also not left behind our territorial waters. His men are taking the tough challenge head long. Smugglers are experiencing hell. I give him kudos.
” I enjoin Nigeria’s importers and exporters including the organised clearing, forwarding agents to pray and encourage President Tinubu and the Customs Controller General to sustain the good performance.
“On the state of the nation, I can confidently say that things will change for the better”.
The Presidency has said that the absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the country does not create any leadership vacuum.
While Tinubu departed for the United Kingdom on October 2, 2024, for a two-week working leave, Shettima left Abuja on Wednesday for Sweden on a two-day visit to represent Nigeria in bilateral engagements with the Scandinavian nation.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the two leaders “are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while they are away.”
Onanuga also noted that all state organs are functioning as usual.
The statement reads: “It is important to note that the President and Vice President are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while they are away. There is no leadership vacuum in the country.
“President Tinubu left the country on 3 October and is on a two-week working vacation. During this time, he has been busy answering phones and issuing directives on matters of state. He will soon return to the country before the vacation officially expires.
“The vice president departed the country Wednesday for Sweden on an official visit, working for Nigeria.
“All state organs are functioning as usual. The Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs are all in their respective positions, ensuring the smooth operation of the government.
“We had a similar situation in 2022 when former President Buhari and former Vice President Osinbajo were found to be simultaneously out of the country. President Buhari attended UNGA 77, while Osinbajo participated in the burial of Queen Elizabeth ll.
“We have also experienced it during this administration. Between late April and early May this year, while President Tinubu was in London, after visiting the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Economic Forum, Vice President Shettima left Nigeria, first of all for Nairobi to attend the International Development Association (IDA21) Heads of State Summit.
“After returning, he left for Dallas, Texas, to attend the US-Africa Business Summit organised by the Corporate Council on Africa. President Tinubu returned home on 8 May. During this time, the government’s machinery did not halt.
“The Constitution, a testament to our adaptability in the virtual age, does not explicitly require the physical presence of either the president or the vice president in the country at all times to fulfil his duties.”
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to participate in the 2024 Special World Economic Forum (WEF) on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development.
This marks the second leg of his two-nation official visit, following his earlier engagements in the Netherlands.
The high-profile forum, which begins today, will bring together over 1,000 leaders from business, government, and academia from more than 90 countries.
The aim is to build on the success of last year’s inaugural Growth Summit held in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Riyadh meeting will focus on addressing pressing global challenges across three core themes: Revitalizing Global Collaboration, Fostering Inclusive Growth, and Catalyzing Action on Energy for Development.
The event serves as a platform to bridge the growing North-South divide exacerbated by emerging economic policies, the energy transition, and geopolitical shocks.
According to Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu’s spokesman, the Nigerian leader and his entourage will utilize the opportunity to engage in discussions furthering his “Renewed Hope Agenda” for Nigeria.
The forum provides a platform for global leaders to come together and find solutions to pressing economic and energy challenges, and President Tinubu’s participation is expected to contribute significantly to the discussions.