President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will travel to France on Wednesday for a state visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, according to the presidency.

A statement issued on Tuesday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that Tinubu will be officially received on Thursday at Les Invalides, the iconic French military museum, and the Élysée Palace for an elaborate welcome ceremony hosted by President Macron and his wife, Brigitte.

The visit, which spans three days, will prioritize discussions on strengthening ties in key sectors, including agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition.

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Onanuga described the visit as a strategic opportunity for Nigeria.

“The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria,” the statement read.

The two leaders will also hold high-level meetings aimed at fostering collaboration in finance, solid minerals, trade, and investment.

A France-Nigeria Business Council session will further explore private sector contributions to economic growth.

The First Ladies of both countries are set to discuss initiatives aimed at empowering women and vulnerable groups, with Brigitte Macron hosting Oluremi Tinubu for talks on the Nigerian First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

Tinubu and his wife will conclude the visit with a state dinner hosted by President Macron at the Élysée Palace.

The delegation will include senior Nigerian government officials, underscoring the significance of the bilateral engagements.

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, has emphasised the importance of innovation, transparency, and inclusivity in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.

Speaking at the 2nd Annual Lecture of NPO Reports in Abuja, Adedeji outlined key strategies for addressing the country’s economic challenges, focusing on revenue generation and infrastructure development.

He called for the adoption of efficient strategies to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential, including the improvement of tax administration and the establishment of clear frameworks for public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Adedeji further highlighted the role of digital solutions in enhancing transparency, reducing corruption, and increasing efficiency in both tax collection and infrastructure management.

“The government can unlock economic potential, foster innovation, and improve public services by adopting transparent, inclusive, and efficient strategies,” he said. “Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, supported by sustainable practices and innovative technologies, will pave the way for resilient and equitable growth.”

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Among his recommendations, Adedeji stressed the need to improve tax collection efficiency, reduce corruption, and ensure effective governance through capacity building for regulatory bodies. He also suggested focusing on high-impact infrastructure projects, such as the Lagos-Calabar highway, which integrates transportation, energy, and water supply.

Adedeji noted that the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda aims to generate revenue to improve infrastructure. He concluded by emphasizing that effective strategies are essential to sustain economic growth, improve public services, and enhance the living standards of Nigerians in an era of economic uncertainty.

The event, which addressed the complexities of revenue generation in a constrained economy, featured discussions on the government’s challenges in raising funds amidst the burden on citizens. The publisher of NPO Reports, Semiu Okanlawon, outlined the dilemma of taxing already-overburdened citizens while striving to improve their quality of life.

The lecture offered insights into the ways Nigeria can navigate its economic difficulties through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors.

A total of 4,449 police officers have taken legal action against the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over their unimplemented promotions.

The officers alleged that despite their promotions being approved by the Police Service Commission (PSC), the NPF and the IGP have failed to recognize and decorate them with their new ranks.

The officers, through their counsel, filed the suit at the National Industrial Court in Abuja, accusing the police leadership of disregarding the 19th plenary decision of the PSC, which granted the promotions in line with the provisions of the PSC Act.

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The case was heard on Tuesday before Justice R.B. Haastrup.

During the court proceedings, Muka’ila Mavo, counsel for the officers, urged the court to compel the NPF and the IGP to promptly implement the PSC’s decision.

Mavo cited Section 6(1)(a) of the Police Service Commission Act and Section 16(3)(a) of the Police Act, both of which empower the PSC to handle promotions, appointments, and disciplinary actions for police officers—excluding the IGP.

He also referenced a ruling by the Supreme Court that affirmed the PSC’s authority in these matters.

“The Supreme Court has also affirmed this position, granting judicial backing to the PSC’s authority over promotions and discipline within the police force,” Mavo argued.

In response, counsel for the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Isa Garba, declined to comment further on the matter, stating that the Force’s Public Relations Officer would be the appropriate spokesperson.

Justice Haastrup adjourned the case until December 18 for further hearing, as the officers await resolution of their claims and the implementation of their promotions.