French President Emmanuel Macron is set to embark on a state visit to Nigeria, marking a new chapter in diplomatic relations between the two countries as both governments seek to strengthen their long-standing strategic partnership.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during France’s National Day celebration in Abuja by the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, who described the visit as an opportunity for both nations to review their existing cooperation and chart a new course for future collaboration.
According to the ambassador, Macron’s trip will come two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Paris, giving both leaders a chance to assess progress under their bilateral roadmap and identify new areas of partnership.
Speaking at the event, Fonbaustier said:
“Secondly, a scoop. 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.
“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.”
France Reaffirms Partnership With Nigeria
The French envoy emphasised that the relationship between France and Nigeria is built on the principles of Equality, mutual respect and non-interference, stressing that neither country seeks to impose its will on the other.
Referring to the founding values of the French Republic, Fonbaustier said that both nations engage as equal partners while pursuing common interests.
“First and foremost, Equality. I say this, and I say it with pride, that the partnership between Nigeria and France is, in reality, not just in words, a partnership between equals.”
He added that the principle of Equality, enshrined in the United Nations Charter, continues to guide bilateral relations between both countries.
“It means avoiding prejudice, not imposing anything, and not interfering. On the contrary, it means listening to each other, communicating openly, and making decisions together.”
Focus on Trade, Agriculture and Development
Beyond diplomacy, the ambassador highlighted several areas where France and Nigeria are already working together, particularly in economic development, agriculture and regional food security.
According to him, both countries share the goal of creating jobs, improving living standards and promoting sustainable development while protecting the environment.
Fonbaustier also praised the role of the French Development Agency (AFD) in supporting agricultural projects in northern Nigeria, noting that ongoing initiatives are strengthening agricultural value chains and improving market access in underserved communities.
He added that France’s cooperation with Nigeria extends beyond bilateral projects to regional initiatives carried out in partnership with ECOWAS, particularly those aimed at improving food security across West Africa.
Macron’s Visit Signals Stronger Bilateral Ties
Macron’s upcoming visit is expected to provide both governments with an opportunity to deepen cooperation across key sectors, including trade, security, agriculture, climate action and economic development.
The state visit also reflects the growing diplomatic engagement between France and Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, at a time when both countries are seeking stronger partnerships to address regional and global challenges.
While an official date for the visit has not yet been announced, the meeting between Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to focus on expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest and reinforcing the strategic relationship between Abuja and Paris.
