French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Nigeria later this year in what France describes as a key milestone in the growing relationship between both countries.
The announcement was made on Tuesday night in Abuja by the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, during celebrations marking France’s National Day.
Describing the announcement as a “scoop,” Fonbaustier said Macron’s State visit would take place this fall, two years after President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Paris.
He said the meeting would give both leaders an opportunity to review progress made under their bilateral roadmap and set fresh priorities for the years ahead.
“Two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State visit to Paris, President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Nigeria for a State visit this fall,” the ambassador said.
“Together, our two Presidents will assess the progress of our roadmap and define the next phase of cooperation for the benefit of both our peoples.”
Fonbaustier described the France-Nigeria relationship as one built on mutual respect and equality, insisting that neither country sought to impose its will on the other.
According to him, both nations are guided by shared values of dialogue, partnership and respect for each other’s sovereignty.
“In our relationship, equality is not just a principle it is a reality,” he said. “It means listening to one another, making decisions together and working as genuine partners.”
The ambassador said France and Nigeria remain united by common ambitions, including economic growth, job creation, improved living standards and environmental sustainability.
He pointed to recent business partnerships including Carrefour’s collaboration with HyperCity, Accor’s investment with Shoreline, and Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice—as evidence of strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Fonbaustier also praised Nigerian businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu for championing the creation of a House of African Worlds in Paris, describing the initiative as another symbol of deepening cultural cooperation.
On governance, he said France and Nigeria continue to share a commitment to democracy, the rule of law, freedom of expression and equal opportunities.
He added that the French Embassy remains actively involved in programmes that support women, young people and persons with disabilities.
The envoy highlighted ongoing collaboration in agriculture through the French Development Agency, particularly projects designed to improve food security and strengthen agricultural value chains across northern Nigeria and the wider ECOWAS region.
“We are working together to improve food security, not only in Nigeria but across West Africa,” he said, noting that several joint projects are helping farmers improve production and gain better access to markets.
On security, Fonbaustier said both countries remain committed to combating terrorism and strengthening regional stability.
He noted that France and Nigeria are working together to help countries across the region build stronger counterterrorism capabilities, stressing that regional security depends on a strong Nigeria just as Nigeria benefits from a stable and united West Africa.
The ambassador also described the France-Nigeria partnership as part of a broader effort to deepen cooperation between Europe and Africa in promoting peace, security and international cooperation.
He revealed that Macron’s connection with Africa was shaped in part by the six months he spent in Nigeria as a student more than two decades ago.
According to Fonbaustier, the French president has often acknowledged that his experience in Nigeria played a significant role in shaping his understanding of Africa and influenced the vision that now guides France’s engagement with the continent.
