French President Emmanuel Macron will undertake an official State visit to Nigeria later this year, in what is expected to mark a significant milestone in the growing diplomatic and strategic relationship between both countries.
The announcement was made 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 on Tuesday evening, July 14, in Abuja.
Addressing diplomats, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders and invited guests at the event, Fonbaustier described the planned visit as an important opportunity for France and Nigeria to review the progress made in their bilateral relations and establish new areas of cooperation that would benefit both nations.
According to the ambassador, President Macron’s visit will take place approximately two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a State visit to Paris, a trip that strengthened diplomatic, economic and security cooperation between the two countries.
Fonbaustier described the forthcoming visit as a continuation of the high-level engagements between Paris and Abuja, noting that it reflects the commitment of both governments to building a stronger and more productive partnership.
“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 announced.
He explained that the visit would provide both leaders with the opportunity to assess the implementation of agreements reached during previous engagements while outlining a fresh roadmap for cooperation across critical sectors.
“Together, our two Presidents will assess the progress of our roadmap and outline the key elements of our relationship for the years to come,” he said.
According to Fonbaustier, the discussions between Presidents Tinubu and Macron are expected to produce ambitious initiatives designed to strengthen political, economic, security, cultural and development cooperation between France and Nigeria.
“These will undoubtedly be ambitious and mutually beneficial for our two peoples,” he added.
The ambassador used the occasion to reaffirm France’s commitment to maintaining a relationship with Nigeria based on mutual respect, equality and shared interests rather than dominance or interference.
He stressed that France considers Nigeria not merely as a strategic partner but as an equal in international affairs, emphasizing that both countries share common values and aspirations.
Speaking on the principles underpinning the French Republic, Fonbaustier highlighted the enduring relevance of the ideals of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, noting that these values continue to shape France’s foreign policy engagements.
“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.”
The envoy placed particular emphasis on the principle of equality, describing it as the foundation of the relationship between France and Nigeria.
“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 stated.
Fonbaustier explained that this philosophy aligns with the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, which recognises the sovereign equality of all member states.
According to him, both France and Nigeria remain committed to defending those principles despite the challenges confronting the international community.
“This equality among members of the international community is the cornerstone of the United Nations Charter, which Nigeria and France continue to defend, against all odds,” he said.
He noted that the commitment to equality carries practical implications for bilateral relations, insisting that cooperation between both countries must be built on dialogue, mutual respect and shared decision-making.
“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,” the ambassador explained.
Fonbaustier reiterated that both Nigerians and French citizens have demonstrated respect for these principles through the steady growth of bilateral relations over the years.
“I stand before you tonight to say that, together, Nigerians and French people, we fully respect the spirit and profound meaning of this word: Equality.”
“Our common interests are clearly stated and understood,” he added.
The ambassador further outlined several priority areas where France and Nigeria intend to deepen collaboration, including economic development, job creation, environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life of their citizens.
According to him, both countries are committed to promoting inclusive economic growth while ensuring that development is achieved in a manner that protects the environment.
“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 noted that Nigeria remains one of France’s most important partners in Africa due to its strategic position, economic influence and leadership role within the West African sub-region.
He expressed optimism that President Macron’s forthcoming visit would further strengthen cooperation in areas such as security, education, infrastructure, climate action, renewable energy, technology, agriculture and investment.
Analysts believe the visit is also expected to focus on regional security challenges, particularly efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa, as well as strengthening trade and investment ties between French businesses and Nigerian enterprises.
France and Nigeria have maintained longstanding diplomatic relations spanning several decades, with cooperation covering defence, commerce, culture, education and development assistance.
Recent years have witnessed increased collaboration in infrastructure development, energy transition, environmental protection and private sector investment, reflecting both countries’ desire to expand mutually beneficial partnerships.
Macron’s planned visit is expected to build on these achievements while opening new avenues for collaboration in emerging sectors of the economy.
The announcement has been widely viewed as another indication of the growing importance of Nigeria in France’s engagement with Africa, particularly as both countries seek to strengthen economic cooperation, promote regional stability and address shared global challenges.
With preparations expected to begin in the coming months, the State visit is anticipated to provide a fresh platform for advancing bilateral relations and reinforcing the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and France through renewed commitments and strategic agreements aimed at delivering lasting benefits for both nations.
