French President Emmanuel Macron will pay a State visit to Nigeria this fall as both countries seek to strengthen their bilateral relationship and deepen cooperation across key sectors.
The announcement was made on Tuesday night in Abuja by the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, during France’s National Day celebration.
Fonbaustier described the visit as an opportunity for both nations to assess the progress made since President Bola Tinubu’s State visit to Paris two years ago and set fresh priorities for future collaboration.
“Secondly, a scoop. I am pleased and honored to announce that, two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State visit to Paris, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, will travel to Nigeria for another State visit this fall.”
“Together, our two Presidents will assess the progress of our roadmap and outline the key elements of our relationship for the years to come. These will undoubtedly be ambitious and mutually beneficial for our two peoples.”
The envoy said relations between France and Nigeria are built on mutual respect, stressing that both countries engage each other as equals.
“First and foremost, Equality. I say this, and I say it with pride, that the partnership between Nigeria and France is, in reality, not just in words, a partnership between equals.”
According to him, the principle of equality guides both nations in their diplomatic engagements by encouraging dialogue, cooperation and shared decision-making rather than interference.
Fonbaustier noted that France and Nigeria have common objectives, including economic growth, job creation, improved living standards and environmental sustainability.
“We want the economic and social development of both our countries, for our citizens, for job creation, and for improving the standards of living, with due respect for the environment, biodiversity, water and air.”
He pointed to recent commercial partnerships involving Carrefour, HyperCity, Accor, Shoreline, and Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice as evidence of growing economic ties between both countries.
The ambassador also praised the initiative championed by Abdul Samad Rabiu to establish a House of African Worlds in Paris.
READ ALSO:
- Macron Set For State Visit To Nigeria
- How I Spend Up To $300,000 Every Month — Davido
- Actress Omotunde Ogundimu Appeals For Help After Cancer Diagnosis
- Police Arrest Alleged Fake PFIPC DG Adeniyi Adeyemi After Court Issues Bench Warrant
- Boost for Nigerian content as Shell awards $518 million contracts in 2025
On governance, Fonbaustier said Nigeria and France remain committed to democratic values, the rule of law, freedom of expression and equal opportunities for both women and men.
He added that the French Embassy continues to support programmes aimed at empowering women, young people and persons with disabilities.
Speaking on agriculture, the ambassador highlighted projects funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) to improve food security and strengthen agricultural value chains, particularly in northern Nigeria and across the ECOWAS region.
“We are working together on agricultural issues, particularly to strengthen food security, in Nigeria of course, but also throughout the region together with ECOWAS.”
He explained that the agency’s investments complement initiatives designed to improve farmers’ access to markets, including in remote communities.
Security cooperation also featured prominently in his remarks, with Fonbaustier saying Nigeria and France share a common commitment to tackling terrorism.
“Our two countries have repeatedly demonstrated this, through their unfailing and resolute commitment to the global fight against terrorism.”
He said both governments are collaborating to support countries seeking to strengthen their capacity to respond to security threats across the region.
“In the face of terrorism, which is affecting the entire region, Nigeria and France are working together to assist countries eager to strengthen their capabilities, in order to better combat this scourge that destroys lives, communities and ultimately, our core values.”
The ambassador argued that regional stability depends on a strong Nigeria working alongside a united West African region.
He also described the relationship between Nigeria and France as part of a broader partnership between Africa and Europe aimed at promoting peace, stability and international cooperation.
Fonbaustier revealed that Macron’s interest in Africa was influenced by the six months he spent in Nigeria as a student more than two decades ago.
“The new relationship between Africa and France was, in some way, born in Nigeria or ‘Made in Nigeria’. Because a young man, Emmanuel Macron, spent six significant and formative months in this country while he was a student, 24 years ago.”
“He himself admits that this foundational experience inspired the broad outlines of his vision for the continent and his African diplomacy.”