French President Emmanuel Macron will undertake a state visit to Nigeria later this year as France seeks to strengthen diplomatic, economic and security relations with Africa’s largest economy.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, during the celebration of France’s National Day in Abuja.
Fonbaustier described the planned visit, expected to take place in the autumn, as a significant milestone in the growing partnership between Nigeria and France. The visit comes two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a state visit to Paris.
According to the ambassador, the meeting between Presidents Macron and Tinubu will provide an opportunity to review progress made under the existing bilateral cooperation framework and chart a new course for enhanced collaboration in the years ahead.
“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,” Fonbaustier 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 ambassador said the relationship between both countries is anchored on mutual respect, equality and shared interests, stressing that France views Nigeria as a strategic partner rather than a country to influence through interference or imposition.
He noted that both nations are collaborating to promote economic growth, create employment opportunities and improve living standards while advancing environmental sustainability and protecting biodiversity.
Fonbaustier highlighted growing commercial ties between France and Nigeria, citing partnerships involving Carrefour and HyperCity, Accor and Shoreline, as well as Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice, as evidence of expanding investment and business cooperation.
He also commended Nigerian businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu for championing the establishment of a House of African Worlds in Paris, describing the initiative as a symbol of deepening cultural and economic engagement between France and Africa.
On governance, the French envoy reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting democracy, the rule of law, freedom of expression and equal opportunities. He added that the French Embassy continues to implement programmes aimed at empowering women, young people and persons with disabilities.
Fonbaustier further highlighted ongoing collaboration through the French Development Agency to strengthen food security and agricultural value chains across northern Nigeria and the wider ECOWAS region.
In the area of security, he said Nigeria and France remain committed to working together to combat terrorism and promote regional stability by supporting countries confronting extremist threats across West Africa.
The ambassador also revealed that President Macron’s interest in Africa was influenced by a six-month stay in Nigeria as a student more than two decades ago, an experience he said helped shape the French leader’s understanding of the continent and his approach to African diplomacy.
