French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Nigeria later this year for an official State visit aimed at strengthening ties between both nations and setting new priorities for future cooperation.
The announcement was made by the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, during celebrations marking France’s National Day in Abuja on Tuesday.
He described the visit as an important milestone that would allow both countries to evaluate the progress made in recent years and identify fresh opportunities for collaboration.
According to the ambassador, the trip comes two years after President Bola Tinubu paid a State visit to Paris, reflecting the steady growth of diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Leaders Expected to Shape the Next Phase of Bilateral Relations
Fonbaustier revealed that Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Bola Tinubu would use the visit to assess the implementation of their existing cooperation roadmap while laying the groundwork for a stronger long-term partnership.
He expressed confidence that discussions between the two leaders would produce ambitious initiatives designed to benefit citizens in both France and Nigeria, further expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
France Emphasises Partnership Built on Equality
A major theme of the ambassador’s address was the principle of equality, which he described as the foundation of France’s relationship with Nigeria.
Drawing from the values of the French Republic—Liberty, Equality and Fraternity—Fonbaustier stressed that France sees Nigeria as an equal partner rather than a country to be directed or influenced.
He said both governments are committed to mutual respect, open dialogue and joint decision-making, principles that also align with the ideals of the United Nations Charter.
According to him, both nations reject interference in each other’s affairs and instead focus on cooperation based on shared interests and respect.
Economic Cooperation Continues to Expand
The ambassador highlighted the growing commercial relationship between French and Nigerian businesses, pointing to several partnerships that demonstrate increasing investor confidence.
He referenced collaborations involving Carrefour and HyperCity, Accor and Shoreline, as well as Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice, noting that such investments strengthen economic ties while also contributing to improved services and broader television content available to Nigerian audiences.
Fonbaustier also praised the efforts of Nigerian businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu in supporting the creation of the House of African Worlds in Paris, describing it as another example of growing cultural and economic connections between both countries.
Shared Development Goals Remain a Priority
Beyond trade, France and Nigeria continue to pursue common objectives focused on economic growth, employment and sustainable development.
The ambassador said both governments are committed to improving living standards while ensuring environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and responsible management of natural resources such as water and air.
He noted that these priorities reflect a shared determination to build inclusive prosperity for future generations.
Democratic Values and Social Inclusion Highlighted
Fonbaustier also reaffirmed France’s commitment to working alongside Nigeria in promoting democratic governance, the rule of law and freedom of expression.
He said the French Embassy remains actively involved in programmes that support women, young people and persons with disabilities, helping to expand economic opportunities and encourage greater social inclusion across Nigerian communities.
Agriculture Partnership Targets Food Security
Agriculture remains another major area of cooperation between the two countries.
The ambassador explained that the French Development Agency (AFD) is supporting projects designed to improve food security and strengthen agricultural value chains, particularly in northern Nigeria and across the ECOWAS region.
He added that ongoing initiatives are helping farmers gain better access to markets, including those operating in remote communities, while complementing broader regional efforts to improve agricultural productivity.
Joint Efforts Against Terrorism Continue
Security cooperation also featured prominently in the ambassador’s remarks.
Fonbaustier said France and Nigeria remain united in the fight against terrorism and continue to work together to help countries across the region improve their capacity to confront extremist threats.
He argued that regional stability depends on both a strong Nigeria and closer collaboration among neighbouring countries, describing terrorism as a shared challenge that threatens lives, communities and democratic values.
France Sees Nigeria as Central to Africa-Europe Relations
Looking beyond bilateral issues, the ambassador described the France-Nigeria relationship as an important pillar of broader cooperation between Africa and Europe.
He said both continents have a shared responsibility to promote peace, strengthen the rule of law and encourage international cooperation in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Macron’s Personal Connection to Nigeria
Fonbaustier also revealed that President Macron’s relationship with Africa has deep roots in Nigeria.
According to him, Macron spent six months in Nigeria as a student roughly 24 years ago, an experience that significantly influenced his understanding of the continent and helped shape his approach to African diplomacy.
The ambassador suggested that those formative months continue to influence the French president’s vision for building a more balanced and mutually beneficial relationship between France and African nations.
