Tinubu hosts Chad president Déby in aso rock

By Damilare Adeleye

Pres. Bola Tinubu on Thursday received the President of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, at the State House, Abuja, where both leaders held a closed-door meeting.

The Chadian leader arrived at the Presidential Villa at about 2:00 p.m., marking his first official visit to Nigeria since Tinubu attended his inauguration in N’Djamena on May 23, 2024.

Déby, 42, assumed office following the death of his father, former President Idriss Déby Itno, who was killed on April 20, 2021, while leading troops against rebel forces during the Northern Chad offensive.

Although details of the meeting were not disclosed as of press time, the engagement is seen as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen regional cooperation between Nigeria and Chad.

Key areas of interest are expected to include security, trade, and cross-border stability within the Lake Chad Basin.

The Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, shared photographs of the meeting on his official platforms but did not provide details of the discussions.

Other Nigerian officials present included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Defence; and the Chief of Defence Staff.