President Bola Tinubu has departed Kigali, Rwanda, for Lagos, Nigeria, following the conclusion of the 13th edition of the Africa CEO Forum, which marked the final phase of his three-nation economic and bilateral engagements across France, Kenya and Rwanda.
President Tinubu left Kigali at about 4:12 p.m. Central Africa Time (CAT), 3:12 p.m. Nigerian time (WAT), after participating in a series of high-level meetings and investment-focused engagements aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economic diplomacy and attracting foreign investment.
During the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, the President took part in a major panel discussion titled “Holding the Line: Nigeria’s Reform Bet in a Fractured World,” where he defended his administration’s ongoing economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and fiscal restructuring measures.
President Tinubu described the reforms as challenging but necessary steps required to stabilise Nigeria’s economy, prevent fiscal collapse and secure long-term growth for future generations.
He maintained that the previous subsidy regime was unsustainable and encouraged corruption, smuggling and economic distortions.
The President also emphasised the importance of taxation in driving national development, noting that sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without citizens and businesses fulfilling their tax obligations.
On the sidelines of the forum, President Tinubu held strategic engagements with global investors, business leaders and development partners, including discussions with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on strengthening collaboration in economic reforms, investment facilitation, trade competitiveness, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, MSME development and the solid minerals sector.
The President further used the Kigali outing to project Nigeria as a leading investment destination in Africa, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms would significantly improve investor confidence, economic stability and long-term competitiveness.
The Kigali engagement concluded President Tinubu’s three-nation diplomatic and economic tour, which began in France before proceeding to Kenya and Rwanda, where he participated in strategic bilateral meetings and international forums focused on economic cooperation, investment promotion, innovation, regional integration and sustainable development across Africa.
