France and Nigeria set to deepen strategic ties as Presidents Macron and Tinubu review progress and chart new areas of cooperation

French President Emmanuel Macron will pay a state visit to Nigeria later this year, according to the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier.

The visit, expected to take place in the fall, is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and reviewing progress made since President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Paris two years ago.

Speaking during France’s National Day celebration, Fonbaustier said both leaders would use the visit to assess the implementation of their strategic roadmap and identify new areas of cooperation for the benefit of both countries.

He described the planned engagement as a significant milestone in the growing partnership between France and Nigeria.

The ambassador stressed that relations between the two nations are built on equality, mutual respect, and non-interference. He added that both countries share common goals, including economic growth, job creation, environmental protection, food security, and democratic governance.

Fonbaustier also highlighted expanding commercial partnerships involving French companies, as well as ongoing agricultural projects supported by the French Development Agency across Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.

On security, he said Nigeria and France remain committed to combating terrorism and strengthening regional stability through strategic cooperation, noting that both countries are working together to support nations seeking to improve their capacity to tackle insecurity across West Africa.

The ambassador further revealed that Macron’s interest in Africa was shaped by a six-month stay in Nigeria as a student over two decades ago, describing the experience as instrumental in shaping the French leader’s vision for Africa and its partnership with France.