French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to undertake an official State visit to Nigeria this fall, French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, has announced.
The ambassador disclosed the planned visit during France’s National Day celebration held in Abuja on Tuesday, describing it as an important step in strengthening the strategic partnership between both countries.
According to him, the visit will take place about two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official trip to Paris.
Tinubu, Macron to review bilateral partnership
Fonbaustier said President Macron and President Tinubu will use the visit to assess progress made in Nigeria-France relations and outline new areas of cooperation for the coming years.
He expressed confidence that the discussions would produce mutually beneficial outcomes for both nations.
The envoy added that the relationship between Nigeria and France is built on mutual respect, equality and shared interests rather than interference in each other’s affairs.
Ambassador highlights growing economic cooperation
Fonbaustier noted that commercial ties between both countries have continued to expand through partnerships involving major French companies and Nigerian businesses.
He cited collaborations involving Carrefour and HyperCity, Accor and Shoreline, as well as Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice as examples of growing economic engagement.
He also commended Nigerian businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu for supporting the establishment of the House of African Worlds in Paris, describing it as a positive contribution to cultural cooperation.
Security, agriculture among key priorities
The French ambassador said Nigeria and France remain committed to strengthening cooperation in the areas of security, democracy and economic development.
According to him, both countries continue to work together in combating terrorism while supporting regional stability across West Africa.
He also highlighted ongoing agricultural projects supported by the French Development Agency (AFD), particularly initiatives designed to improve food security and strengthen agricultural value chains in northern Nigeria and across the ECOWAS region.
Macron’s connection with Nigeria
Fonbaustier revealed that Macron’s relationship with Africa was partly shaped by the six months he spent in Nigeria as a student more than two decades ago.
According to the ambassador, the French leader has often acknowledged that the experience influenced his understanding of Africa and helped shape his diplomatic vision for the continent.
The upcoming visit is expected to further deepen cooperation between Nigeria and France across diplomacy, trade, security and development.