Maha Christopher
President Bola Tinubu on Monday received Madagascar’s President, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja for high level bilateral talks.
According to The Punch, Randrianirina arrived at the State House at about 2:57 p.m. and was welcomed with ceremonial honours by bagpipers from the Presidential Brigade of Guards.
The visiting leader was received by a delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, before proceeding to a closed door meeting with President Tinubu.
The visit marks Randrianirina’s first official trip to Nigeria since assuming office in October 2025 following the departure of former Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina.
It is also the first recorded official visit by a Madagascan head of state to Nigeria, as previous engagements between leaders of both countries were largely held on the sidelines of international and regional summits.
Monday’s meeting comes weeks after Tinubu and Randrianirina held discussions during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
Since taking office, the Malagasy president has embarked on a series of diplomatic engagements across Africa, including visits to Gabon, while also expressing interest in strengthening Madagascar’s ties with the BRICS bloc.
Although details of the discussions were not immediately disclosed, sources familiar with the meeting said both leaders were expected to deliberate on regional security, agricultural cooperation and climate change challenges.
The talks are also expected to explore areas of economic collaboration and deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Madagascar.
