French President Emmanuel Macron will undertake a state visit to Nigeria later this year as France seeks to strengthen its strategic partnership with Africa’s largest economy, French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, announced on Tuesday.
The announcement was made during France’s National Day celebration in Abuja and marks another milestone in the growing bilateral relationship, two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Paris.
Addressing senior government officials, governors, lawmakers, diplomats and business leaders, Fonbaustier said Macron’s visit would enable both leaders to review progress under the Nigeria-France cooperation roadmap and set new priorities for future collaboration.
“I am pleased and honoured 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,” the ambassador said.
“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 planned visit is expected to further strengthen relations between Nigeria and France at a time of increasing geopolitical competition and renewed efforts by both countries to expand cooperation in trade, investment, security, agriculture, culture and regional stability.
Fonbaustier described the Nigeria-France relationship as a “partnership between equals,” founded on mutual respect and shared democratic values rather than interference.
According to him, both countries share common aspirations for economic growth, job creation, environmental sustainability, regional peace and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.
The envoy highlighted growing commercial ties, pointing to partnerships involving Carrefour and HyperCity, Accor and Shoreline, as well as Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice. He also commended Nigerian industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu for supporting the establishment of a House of African Worlds in Paris, describing it as another symbol of expanding cultural cooperation.
He noted that France and Nigeria were also strengthening collaboration in the creative economy, youth development and cultural exchange, recalling the successful hosting of the Création Africa Forum in Lagos, which brought together thousands of African artists and entrepreneurs.
Fonbaustier reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting democratic governance, the rule of law, freedom of expression and gender equality, adding that the French Embassy continues to fund programmes aimed at empowering women, young people and persons with disabilities.
On food security, he said both countries were expanding agricultural cooperation through projects financed by the French Development Agency (AFD), particularly in northern Nigeria, where investments are helping to improve agricultural value chains and market access for underserved communities.
Security cooperation also featured prominently in the ambassador’s address, as he stressed the importance of a united regional response to terrorism.
Describing Nigeria as central to West Africa’s stability, Fonbaustier said the country requires a cohesive ECOWAS to effectively combat insecurity and welcomed ongoing security collaboration between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin against terrorist groups.
“The region needs a strong Nigeria. Nigeria needs a united and mobilised region in the fight against terrorism,” he said.
The ambassador further positioned the Nigeria-France relationship within the broader framework of Europe-Africa cooperation, saying both continents are increasingly working together to promote a rules-based international order while addressing global challenges, including artificial intelligence, healthcare and ocean governance.
In a lighter moment during the celebration, Fonbaustier disclosed that President Macron’s outlook on Africa was partly shaped by the six months he spent in Nigeria as a young student more than two decades ago.
According to the envoy, the French leader has often acknowledged that the experience significantly influenced his understanding of Africa and helped shape France’s evolving policy towards the continent.
Macron’s visit is expected to build on the momentum generated by President Tinubu’s 2024 state visit to Paris, during which both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in energy transition, infrastructure, education, security, technology and investment.
Analysts believe the visit could further cement France’s engagement with Nigeria as both nations seek to strengthen economic and strategic cooperation amid shifting geopolitical dynamics across West Africa.
