Macron calls off October 28 Nigeria trip amid widespread protests in France

French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed his scheduled state visit to Nigeria amid escalating protests and civil unrest in France.

Macron was expected to visit Nigeria on October 28 and 29 to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between both countries.

According to TheCable, a French presidential source confirmed the postponement on Friday, citing widespread demonstrations over rising living costs, deteriorating public services and school conditions.

Protests on October 17 reportedly turned violent in several French cities, with buildings set ablaze and shops looted.

A Nigerian official familiar with the development also linked the postponement to France’s domestic challenges.

“A president will not travel when his home is contending with internal combustion,” the official said.

The visit was expected to build on agreements reached during President Bola Tinubu’s November 2024 state visit to France, covering trade, energy, investment and security cooperation.

Macron last visited Nigeria in July 2018, when he met former President Muhammadu Buhari.