Reports have emerged that President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria is in negotiations with the governments of France and the United States to establish a military base within Nigeria.
This development comes amidst regional tensions, as the neighboring country of Niger had recently expelled American and French troops from its territory.
These negotiations are seen as part of Tinubu’s efforts to secure support for his administration and his bid for a second term in office.
Following his attendance at the World Economic Forum’s Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Tinubu has not yet returned to Nigeria, sparking speculations about his whereabouts.
While some have suggested that Tinubu may have traveled to Paris, France, a location he has frequented for medical reasons in the past, credible sources have revealed that the President actually proceeded to London from Riyadh. A highly placed official at the Presidency confirmed that President Tinubu is currently in London on a private visit, although the purpose of this visit remains undisclosed.
Despite the lack of official statements from the Presidency regarding the President’s absence, another top official at the Presidential Villa has assured that there is no cause for alarm and that President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria over the weekend.
President Tinubu’s recent official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where he engaged in high-level discussions and attended the Nigerian-Dutch Business and Investment Forum, was followed by his participation in the special WEF meeting in Riyadh. This meeting aimed to address global challenges and bridge the North-South divide on various economic and geopolitical issues.
The potential establishment of a military base in Nigeria, if realized, would mark a significant development in the region, particularly in light of the recent tensions between Niger and the presence of foreign troops. The negotiations between Tinubu, France, and the United States will be closely watched as they unfold.
