French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to pay a State visit to Nigeria later this fall, a move expected to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between both countries.
The announcement was made on Tuesday night in Abuja by the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, during activities marking France’s National Day. He said the visit would provide an opportunity for Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Bola Tinubu to review progress made in bilateral relations and set fresh priorities for future cooperation.
Describing the announcement as a “scoop,” Fonbaustier noted that Macron’s trip would come two years after President Bola Tinubu’s State visit to Paris.
He said, “Secondly, a scoop. I am pleased and honored 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.
“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 ambassador said Nigeria and France had built a relationship based on mutual respect and equality, adding that both nations continued to treat each other as equal partners.
He said, “In a chaotic world searching for meaning, I would like to talk to you about values. I would like to focus on the three values that accompanied the birth of the French Republic: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Fonbaustier said both governments remained committed to advancing economic growth, creating jobs and improving living standards while protecting the environment.
He said, “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.”
Highlighting expanding commercial cooperation, the envoy pointed to partnerships involving Carrefour and HyperCity, Accor and Shoreline, as well as Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice, saying the investments reflected stronger economic ties and would enhance television content available to Nigerian audiences.
He also praised the initiative championed by Nigerian businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu to establish a House of African Worlds in Paris.
On governance, the ambassador said both countries remained committed to democratic values, the rule of law, freedom of expression and equal opportunities for women and men. He added that the French Embassy continued to support programmes aimed at empowering women, young people and persons with disabilities.
Fonbaustier further highlighted ongoing collaboration in agriculture through the French Development Agency (AFD), particularly projects designed to improve food security and strengthen agricultural value chains in northern Nigeria and across the ECOWAS region.
He said, “We are working together on agricultural issues, particularly to strengthen food security, in Nigeria of course, but also throughout the region together with ECOWAS.
“I would like to underscore the commitment of the AFD (French Development Agency) in the North, particularly its project on agricultural value chains, which complements another innovative project focused on market access, often in very remote areas.
“There are many other collaborative projects. All of them are shaped jointly.”
Speaking on security cooperation, Fonbaustier said Nigeria and France remained united in tackling terrorism and strengthening regional security.
He said, “Our two countries have repeatedly demonstrated this, through their unfailing and resolute commitment to the global fight against terrorism.”
He added, “In the face of terrorism, which is affecting the entire region, Nigeria and France are working together to assist countries eager to strengthen their capabilities, in order to better combat this scourge that destroys lives, communities and ultimately, our core values.”
According to him, regional stability depends on a strong Nigeria, just as Nigeria needs a united and coordinated region to effectively address security challenges.
Fonbaustier also described the France-Nigeria partnership as part of a broader strategic relationship between Europe and Africa focused on promoting peace, stability, the rule of law and international cooperation.
Reflecting on Macron’s connection with Nigeria, the ambassador disclosed that the French President’s vision for Africa was influenced by the six months he spent in Nigeria as a student over two decades ago.
He said, “The new relationship between Africa and France was, in some way, born in Nigeria or ‘Made in Nigeria’. Because a young man, Emmanuel Macron, spent six significant and formative months in this country while he was a student, 24 years ago.
“He himself admits that this foundational experience inspired the broad outlines of his vision for the continent and his African diplomacy,” he said.
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