President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday met with French President Emmanuel Macron during a private dinner at the Élysée Palace in Paris, France.

The meeting, disclosed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on Friday, highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and France and the two countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Photographs released from the dinner showed President Tinubu with President Macron and France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, at the French presidential palace.

Although details of the private discussions were not immediately made public, the engagement comes against the backdrop of growing political, economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and France.

According to France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, relations between the two countries have expanded significantly, particularly in the economic and cultural sectors. France describes Nigeria as an important partner because of its demographic, economic, cultural and political significance in Africa.

The two countries have also maintained high-level engagements in recent years. Tinubu paid a state visit to France in October 2024, while French authorities have identified Nigeria as France’s leading trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa.

The latest meeting therefore provides another high-level platform for the two leaders to maintain diplomatic engagement and discuss areas of mutual interest.

The private dinner took place in Paris on Thursday, September 17, 2026.