President Bola Tinubu on Monday held a private meeting with the President of Madagascar, Michaël Randrianirina, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, as both leaders explored areas of possible bilateral cooperation.
The visiting Malagasy leader arrived at Aso Rock at about 2:57 p.m. local time and was formally welcomed at the forecourt with a ceremonial performance by bagpipers from the Presidential Brigade of Guards
He was initially received by a delegation led by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, before being escorted into the President’s office complex for discussions held behind closed doors.
The visit represents Randrianirina’s first official trip to Nigeria since assuming office in October 2025, following the political transition that led to the departure of former President Andry Rajoelina.
It also marks the first documented state visit by a Malagasy head of state to Nigeria, as high-level engagements between both countries have typically taken place in multilateral settings rather than through direct bilateral visits.
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Monday’s meeting follows a brief encounter between both leaders at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, in May.
Previous interactions between Nigerian and Malagasy administrations, including those under former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, largely occurred at international summits outside their respective countries.
Since taking office, Randrianirina has undertaken a series of diplomatic visits across Africa, including trips to Gabon, while also signaling Madagascar’s interest in strengthening ties with the BRICS alliance.
Although the specific agenda of the Abuja talks was not disclosed at the time of filing this report, sources indicate that discussions are expected to focus on shared priorities such as regional security cooperation, agricultural development, and climate change challenges, particularly the impact on Madagascar’s southern infrastructure in recent months.
More details are expected to emerge as the engagement continues.