President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent two-day state visit to France marks a significant moment in his presidency. This visit, the first by a Nigerian leader since Olusegun Obasanjo’s visit to Jacques Chirac in 2005, received unprecedented fanfare. However, in international politics, such elaborate gestures are rarely without motive. The question arises: what does France seek from Nigeria, and what concessions might President Tinubu have promised in return?
Why This Visit Matters
State visits are the pinnacle of diplomatic relations, symbolizing mutual respect and partnership between nations. They are not casual occurrences but carefully planned events often initiated by the host country to pursue strategic goals. In this case, it’s likely France extended the invitation, underscoring its desire to engage Nigeria on critical issues.
The details of such visits often go beyond the publicized agreements and press statements. What Presidents Tinubu and Macron discussed behind closed doors could hold far greater significance than the public praises exchanged.
France’s Red-Carpet Welcome
President Tinubu’s reception in Paris went beyond mere protocol. From the historic Les Invalides complex to personal praises from President Emmanuel Macron, who referred to Tinubu as a “great leader” and a “friend,” the French government spared no effort to make the Nigerian delegation feel important. Macron even spoke in Nigerian pidgin English, much to the delight of Tinubu’s entourage, while French musicians performed Afrobeat songs by Nigerian artists.
Macron’s remarks, such as describing Tinubu’s potential to transform Nigeria as he did Lagos, may have resonated with Tinubu amid mounting domestic discontent over his economic policies. Yet, this adulation prompts the question: what are France’s underlying motives?
Diplomatic Flattery as a Tool
Flattery has long been a tactic in international diplomacy. Leaders of African nations are often targeted with such gestures to secure strategic concessions at minimal cost. Western leaders understand that African counterparts often value international recognition and approval, using this as leverage to extract agreements beneficial to their interests.
For example, in May 2023, Kenyan President William Ruto received a lavish reception from U.S. President Joe Biden. While Ruto gained symbolic recognition, Kenya took on a leadership role in a precarious multinational mission to stabilize Haiti—arguably more beneficial to U.S. and French interests than Kenya’s.
France’s Challenges in Africa
France’s renewed interest in Nigeria comes at a time of growing hostility toward its presence in former African colonies. Anti-French sentiment is on the rise, fueled by perceptions of exploitation and neocolonialism. As Russia and China deepen their engagements across the continent, France may see Nigeria—Africa’s largest economy and a geopolitical powerhouse—as a strategic partner to regain influence.
Tinubu’s Foreign Policy Approach
One concern is the apparent centralization of Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Tinubu. Decisions made in these high-level meetings often have long-term implications that extend beyond the tenure of the administration that negotiates them. Without transparency, Nigerians are left to speculate on what commitments Tinubu might have made during his visit to France.
What’s at Stake?
France’s lavish reception of Tinubu and its emphasis on partnership might appear as a win for Nigeria, but it is essential to approach such gestures with caution. Given France’s struggles to maintain its influence in Africa, Nigeria must carefully evaluate the cost of any promises made during this state visit.
As citizens, we must ask critical questions: What does France truly want from Nigeria? What strategic or economic concessions did Tinubu offer in exchange for France’s overtures? These questions matter, as the outcomes of foreign policy decisions will shape Nigeria’s future security, economy, and international standing.
In international politics, there are no free lunches. The time has come for Nigerians to seek clarity and ensure that their interests remain at the forefront of any diplomatic engagement.
