French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to undertake a state visit to Nigeria later this year in a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic and security cooperation between the two countries.
The planned visit was announced by the French Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Marc Fonbaustier, during France’s National Day celebration in Abuja.
According to the envoy, the visit will provide an opportunity for President Macron and President Bola Tinubu to review the progress made in bilateral relations and identify new areas of cooperation that would benefit both countries.
The ambassador described the upcoming visit as another important milestone in the growing relationship between Nigeria and France, noting that it follows President Tinubu’s official visit to Paris about two years ago.
Leaders to review bilateral cooperation
Fonbaustier said discussions between the two presidents would focus on evaluating the implementation of agreements already reached by both governments while exploring fresh opportunities for collaboration.
He explained that Nigeria and France have continued to expand cooperation in several sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, security, education, energy and cultural exchange.
According to him, both leaders are expected to outline a new roadmap that will guide relations between the two countries in the coming years.
The ambassador expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Abuja and Paris.
France reaffirms commitment to Nigeria
Speaking on the relationship between the two nations, Fonbaustier described Nigeria as one of France’s most strategic partners in Africa.
He said the partnership is built on mutual respect, equality and shared interests, stressing that both countries are committed to working together as equal partners.
The envoy noted that Nigeria plays a vital role in promoting peace, stability and economic development across West Africa, making stronger cooperation beneficial to both countries.
He added that France remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, democratic governance and sustainable development.
Growing trade and investment opportunities
The ambassador highlighted the increasing presence of French businesses in Nigeria, saying commercial partnerships between companies from both countries continue to expand.
He pointed to collaborations involving major French firms and Nigerian partners as evidence of growing investor confidence in Africa’s largest economy.
According to him, stronger economic ties are expected to create jobs, encourage innovation and boost investment in key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
He also praised efforts aimed at promoting cultural cooperation between France and Nigeria, describing people-to-people exchanges as an important aspect of bilateral relations.
Agriculture, food security remain priorities
Fonbaustier said agriculture remains one of the major areas of cooperation between both countries.
He explained that France, through the French Development Agency, continues to support programmes designed to strengthen food security, improve agricultural productivity and develop value chains across Nigeria.
The envoy noted that several projects are also helping farmers gain better access to markets while improving rural livelihoods, particularly in northern Nigeria.
He said both countries share a common objective of enhancing food production and building resilient agricultural systems capable of supporting long-term economic growth.
Joint efforts against terrorism
The ambassador also reaffirmed France’s commitment to working with Nigeria to address terrorism and other security challenges confronting West Africa.
He said both countries recognise the importance of stronger regional cooperation in tackling violent extremism, organised crime and cross-border insecurity.
According to him, security collaboration remains an important pillar of the France-Nigeria partnership, with both governments supporting initiatives aimed at improving regional stability.
He stressed that a peaceful and secure Nigeria is essential to the stability and prosperity of the wider West African region.
Visit expected to strengthen diplomatic ties
Macron’s planned visit is expected to deepen diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and France while creating fresh opportunities for cooperation in strategic sectors.
The visit is also expected to reinforce existing partnerships in trade, security, education, agriculture and infrastructure, while opening the door to new investments and broader collaboration.
With Nigeria and France seeking to strengthen their longstanding relationship, the upcoming state visit is widely seen as another step towards expanding cooperation between two of Africa’s and Europe’s most influential partners.