French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to pay a state visit to Nigeria later this year as France and Nigeria seek to strengthen cooperation in key areas including trade, security, agriculture and democratic governance.
The planned visit was announced by the French Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Marc Fonbaustier, during the celebration of France’s National Day held in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to the ambassador, President Macron’s trip will take place in the autumn and comes two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu undertook a state visit to Paris. He explained that the visit would provide both leaders with an opportunity to review the progress made under the bilateral cooperation roadmap and chart a new course for relations between the two countries.
Announcing the development, Fonbaustier described it as a major milestone in Nigeria-France relations.
> “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 this fall,” he said.
He added:
“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 French envoy stressed that the partnership between Nigeria and France is built on mutual respect and equality, insisting that neither country seeks to dominate or interfere in the affairs of the other.
“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,” Fonbaustier stated.
He noted that the principle of equality remains one of the core values guiding relations between both countries, adding that it aligns with the ideals of the United Nations Charter.
“In our bilateral relationship, this principle has concrete implications. 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,” he said.
Fonbaustier further stated that Nigeria and France share common priorities aimed at improving the welfare of their citizens through economic growth, employment generation and environmental sustainability.
According to him, both nations are committed to promoting economic and social development while protecting biodiversity, water resources and the environment.
The ambassador also pointed to recent collaborations between French and Nigerian companies as evidence of expanding commercial ties between the two countries.
Beyond economic cooperation, he said both nations remain committed to democratic values, the rule of law, freedom of expression and equal opportunities for all citizens, including women.
Fonbaustier disclosed that the French Embassy continues to support programmes designed to empower women, young people and persons living with disabilities, helping to improve their participation in economic and social development.
He added that the relationship between Nigeria and France extends beyond government engagements to include cooperation in the private sector, civil society and cultural exchanges, further strengthening the longstanding partnership between both countries.
