President Tinubu arrives Nairobi for Africa Forward Summit

Africa, Politics

NAIROBI, Kenya (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, in the early hours of Monday to attend the highly anticipated Africa Forward Summit. His aircraft landed at approximately 00:18 a.m. local time, marking Nigeria’s strong presence at the continental gathering.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) on May 11, 2026, Tinubu was received by Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, alongside Isaac Parashina, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, senior Kenyan officials, and members of Nigeria’s diplomatic mission.

The summit, co‑hosted by President William Ruto of Kenya and French President Emmanuel Macron, is designed to bring together African Heads of State, policymakers, business leaders, and development partners to deliberate on innovative strategies for economic transformation, trade expansion, digital innovation, infrastructure development, climate resilience, and collective prosperity.

Tinubu’s participation underscores Nigeria’s enduring commitment to African unity, regional economic cooperation, and strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating sustainable development. He is expected to engage in bilateral and multilateral discussions to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic ties while reaffirming the country’s leadership role in shaping Africa’s future.

The statement emphasised that Tinubu’s attendance reflects his administration’s dedication to Africa‑driven solutions to continental challenges and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda through strategic international engagement.

The President is accompanied by a high‑level delegation, including:

• Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
• Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy
• Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Environment
• Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
• Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy

Others in the delegation include the CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPCO), Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye (Minister of State designate for Foreign Affairs), Mrs Omotenioye Majekodunmi (Director General of the National Council on Climate Change), and Ambassador Ayodele Oke, Nigeria’s envoy to France.

The Africa Forward Summit is expected to set the tone for deeper collaboration between African nations and global partners, with Nigeria positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent.