President Tinubu Jets Out to Rome for Aqaba Process Meeting
What happened
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for Rome, Italy. The presidency confirmed the trip in an official statement released ahead of departure — and the president's spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, posted details about the journey. 0
Why he went: the Aqaba Process meeting
Tinubu is attending the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government-level meeting in Rome, a high-level counter-terrorism forum co-chaired by Jordan and Italy that focuses on the security challenges affecting West Africa. The meeting brings together regional leaders and partners to exchange assessments and coordinate responses to terrorism and transnational threats. 1
Official lines and spokesman's note
Context: Nigeria on the international stage
The Rome visit adds to a busy calendar of external engagements for the president this year, underlining Nigeria's participation in multilateral security platforms. Observers say Nigeria's presence at the Aqaba Process reinforces its role in seeking collaborative solutions to insurgency, banditry and cross-border criminal networks across West Africa. 3
What to expect next
The president's delegation is expected to hold bilateral conversations on the sidelines with other heads of state and representatives from partner countries. A presidential return date will be confirmed by the State House after the conclusion of official engagements in Rome. 4
President Tinubu left Abuja for Rome on October 12, 2025, to attend the Aqaba Process security meeting. The State House — via spokesman Bayo Onanuga — provided the announcement and trip purpose. 5
