Buhari departs Nigeria for Paris for African Finance Summit

The President Muhammadu Buhari has departed Abuja for Paris, France, on a four-day official visit to attend the African Finance Summit.

The Presidency tweeted this on Sunday, attaching pictures of the president’s departure.

The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, had in a statement on Saturday, said the summit will focus on reviewing the African economy following shocks from the coronavirus pandemic and getting relief, especially from increased debt burden on countries.

He added that the summit, to be hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France, would draw major stakeholders in the global financial institutions and some Heads of Government, who will, collectively, discuss external funding and debt treatment for Africa, and private sector reforms.

He said, during the visit, Buhari would meet with the French President to discuss growing security threats in Sahel and Lake Chad region, political relations, and economic ties.

Shehu noted that the two leaders would also deliberate on 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,” he had said.