French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Nigeria later this year as France seeks to deepen cooperation with Africa’s largest economy across key sectors, French Ambassador to Nigeria Marc Fonbaustier has announced.
Fonbaustier made the disclosure during France’s National Day celebration in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said the visit would take place two years after President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Paris and would provide an opportunity for both leaders to review progress made under the Nigeria-France cooperation framework.
According to the ambassador, the visit is expected to strengthen collaboration in trade, security, agriculture, culture and regional stability.
Fonbaustier described the relationship between Nigeria and France as a partnership based on mutual respect and shared aspirations for economic growth, job creation and peace.
He noted that commercial ties between both countries continue to expand, citing recent partnerships involving Carrefour, HyperCity, Accor, Shoreline and Canal+.
The ambassador also highlighted growing cooperation in culture and youth development, including Nigeria’s hosting of the Création Africa Forum in Lagos.
On security, he stressed the importance of Nigeria’s role in maintaining regional stability and combating terrorism across West Africa.
According to him, France remains committed to supporting efforts aimed at strengthening peace and security in the region.
Fonbaustier further disclosed that France and Nigeria are expanding cooperation in agriculture through projects supported by the French Development Agency, particularly in northern Nigeria.
The ambassador also reaffirmed France’s support for democratic governance, the rule of law, freedom of expression and gender equality.
He revealed that President Macron’s understanding of Africa was partly shaped by time spent in Nigeria as a student, an experience he said influenced the French leader’s approach to Africa-related policies.
Analysts say the planned visit could further strengthen bilateral relations between both countries at a time of growing economic and strategic engagement across West Africa.
