President Buhari departs for Paris today

President Buhari will today Sunday, May 16, 2021, depart Abuja for Paris, France, on a four-day official visit to attend African Finance Summit which will be focused on reviewing the African economy, following shocks from the Coronavirus pandemic, and getting relief, due to increased debt burden on countries.

 A statement released by presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, says the Summit which is to be hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, will draw major stakeholders in the global Finance institutions and some Heads of Government, who will, collectively, discuss external funding and debt treatment for Africa, and private sector reforms.

Shehu said that during the visit, President Buhari will meet with the French President to discuss growing security threats in Sahel and Lake Chad region, political relations, economic ties, climate change, and partnership in buoying the health sector, particularly in checking the spread of Covid-19, with more research and vaccines.

''Before returning to Nigeria, President Buhari will receive some key players in the oil and gas sector, engineering and telecommunications, European Council and European Union Representative for Foreign and Security Policy and Commission, and members of the Nigerian community.'' the statement in part read. 

Also on the trip are: National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Mohammed Monguno (rtd) and Director General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.