Tinubu hosts businessman Femi Otedola at private dinner in Paris

President Bola Tinubu hosted businessman Femi Otedola at a private dinner in Paris on Monday, according to a post Otedola published on X the following day. Otedola shared a photograph of himself with the President and expressed support for Tinubu’s economic policies. He described the administration’s reforms as placing Nigeria’s economy on a path of sustainable growth.

The businessman cited the inclusion of Nigerian companies in the FTSE Russell Frontier 50 Index, the performance of the Nigerian Exchange and increased foreign direct investment. He also referred to what he called renewed economic confidence and a more stable foreign-exchange market. Otedola said Nigeria’s foreign reserves were standing at about $55 billion, although the source material does not provide independent confirmation of the figure.

He concluded his message by expressing pride in the President. The meeting took place during Tinubu’s extended stay in Europe. The President left Nigeria on August 30 for London for what the Presidency described as a three-week working vacation, and later travelled to Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

The Presidency initially announced that the trip had been extended by a few days, before confirming a later return date of September 29. The source says Tinubu was expected to land in Lagos ahead of Independence Day events on October 1. Tinubu’s continued absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly has drawn criticism from opposition groups and other Nigerians.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria and delivered the country’s national statement. The Presidency said the President’s absence would not reduce Nigeria’s diplomatic standing or role in African affairs.