French President Emmanuel Macron will pay a State visit to Nigeria later this year, French Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Marc Fonbaustier, has announced.
The ambassador described the planned visit as an important step in strengthening the growing relationship between Nigeria and France, saying it would provide an opportunity for both countries to review the progress made in recent years and agree on new areas of cooperation.
Fonbaustier made the announcement on Tuesday night in Abuja during the celebration of France’s National Day, popularly known as Bastille Day.
Describing the announcement as a “scoop”, the envoy said Macron’s trip would come two years after President Bola Tinubu paid a State visit to Paris, where both leaders agreed to deepen bilateral relations.
“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,” the ambassador 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.”
Although the ambassador did not announce a specific date for the visit, he said discussions between the two leaders would focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, security, agriculture, governance and regional development.
The planned visit is expected to further strengthen diplomatic ties between Africa’s largest economy and one of Europe’s leading powers at a time when both countries are seeking closer cooperation on economic growth and regional security.
Fonbaustier stressed that the relationship between Nigeria and France is built on mutual respect and equality, insisting that neither country seeks to dominate the other.
According to him, both nations believe in working together as equal partners, a principle he said reflects the values of the United Nations Charter.
“In a chaotic world searching for meaning, I would like to talk to you about values,” he said.
“I would like to focus on the three values that accompanied the birth of the French Republic: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.”
Speaking on equality, the ambassador said the partnership between Nigeria and France goes beyond diplomatic language and is reflected in practical cooperation.
“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 explained that the principle of equality means both countries respect each other’s independence, avoid interference in internal affairs and work together through dialogue and mutual understanding.
According to him, the two countries share common interests, including economic development, job creation, improved living standards and environmental protection.
“We want the economic and social development of both our countries, for our citizens, for job creation and for improving the standards of living, with due respect for the environment, biodiversity, water and air,” he said.
Fonbaustier highlighted several recent business partnerships involving French companies operating in Nigeria as evidence of growing economic cooperation.
He pointed to the partnership between retail giant Carrefour and HyperCity, the collaboration between hospitality company Accor and Shoreline, and Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice, saying these investments demonstrate France’s confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, the Canal+ acquisition is expected to strengthen television broadcasting and improve entertainment content available to viewers in Nigeria and across Africa.
The ambassador also commended Nigerian businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu for supporting the establishment of the House of African Worlds in Paris, describing the initiative as another example of expanding cultural and economic cooperation between Africa and France.
On governance, Fonbaustier said Nigeria and France remain committed to promoting democracy, the rule of law, freedom of expression and equal opportunities for all citizens.
He noted that the French Embassy continues to support programmes aimed at empowering women, young people and persons with disabilities through education, entrepreneurship and social inclusion initiatives.
Agriculture also featured prominently in the ambassador’s remarks.
He said Nigeria and France are working together through the French Development Agency (AFD) to improve food security and strengthen agricultural value chains, particularly in northern Nigeria.
According to him, the projects are designed to improve farmers’ access to markets, increase productivity and strengthen rural economies.
“We are working together on agricultural issues, particularly to strengthen food security, in Nigeria of course, but also throughout the region together with ECOWAS,” he said.
He explained that the agricultural programmes also support communities in remote areas by improving market access and encouraging sustainable farming practices.
On security, Fonbaustier said Nigeria and France have maintained close cooperation in the fight against terrorism, which remains one of the biggest challenges facing West Africa.
He said both countries share a commitment to helping countries in the region build stronger security capabilities to confront terrorist groups and violent extremists.
“Our two countries have repeatedly demonstrated this, through their unfailing and resolute commitment to the global fight against terrorism,” he said.
According to the ambassador, terrorism continues to threaten lives, destroy communities and undermine development across the region, making international cooperation essential.
He stressed that regional security depends on a strong Nigeria working closely with neighbouring countries.
“The region needs a strong Nigeria, while Nigeria also requires a united and mobilised region to confront insecurity,” he said.
Fonbaustier also described the Nigeria-France relationship as an important part of the wider partnership between Africa and Europe.
He said both continents are increasingly working together to promote peace, stability, economic growth, respect for international law and stronger multilateral cooperation.
The ambassador further revealed that President Macron’s interest in Africa was influenced by his personal experience in Nigeria long before he entered politics.
According to him, Macron spent six months in Nigeria as a student about 24 years ago, an experience that helped shape his understanding of the continent.
“The new relationship between Africa and France was, in some way, born in Nigeria or ‘Made in Nigeria’,” he said.
“Because a young man, Emmanuel Macron, spent six significant and formative months in this country while he was a student, 24 years ago.”
Fonbaustier added that Macron has often acknowledged that his time in Nigeria influenced his vision for Africa and his approach to French diplomacy on the continent.
Nigeria and France have enjoyed diplomatic relations for more than six decades, cooperating in areas such as defence, education, health, energy, infrastructure, culture and trade.
In recent years, both governments have intensified efforts to deepen economic cooperation, particularly in renewable energy, agriculture, transportation, digital technology and security.
Macron’s forthcoming visit is expected to build on those efforts and further strengthen ties between the two countries as they seek to expand trade, promote investment and address common regional and global challenges.