French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to undertake a State visit to Nigeria later this fall, French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, has announced, describing the upcoming trip as a significant opportunity for both nations to evaluate the progress of their bilateral partnership and define new priorities for future cooperation.
Fonbaustier made the announcement on Tuesday evening in Abuja while addressing guests at the celebration of France’s National Day, revealing what he described as an exclusive development regarding relations between Paris and Abuja.
According to the ambassador, Macron’s visit will come exactly two years after President Bola Tinubu paid a State visit to France, underscoring the growing diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
“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,” Fonbaustier said.
He explained that the meeting between both presidents would provide an opportunity to assess the implementation of existing agreements while outlining fresh areas of collaboration that would shape the relationship between France and Nigeria for years to come.
“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,” he added.
The ambassador stressed that France considers Nigeria an equal partner, insisting that mutual respect remains the foundation of the relationship between both countries.
Addressing guests at the event, Fonbaustier said the values that shaped the French Republic—Liberty, Equality and Fraternity—continue to influence France’s engagement with Nigeria.
He particularly emphasised equality, noting that France rejects any approach that suggests dominance or interference in the affairs of its partners.
“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,” he stated.
Fonbaustier noted that equality among sovereign nations remains one of the guiding principles of the United Nations Charter, adding that both France and Nigeria remain committed to defending that principle despite evolving global challenges.
He explained that, in practical terms, equality means respecting each other’s sovereignty, avoiding interference, listening carefully, communicating openly and making joint decisions on matters of shared interest.
“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,” he said.
Speaking on economic cooperation, the ambassador said both countries remain committed to expanding commercial ties that would create employment opportunities, improve living standards and encourage environmentally sustainable development.
According to him, both governments share similar priorities centred on economic growth, social progress, environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.
“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 highlighted recent business collaborations involving French companies operating in Nigeria, including partnerships between Carrefour and HyperCity, Accor and Shoreline, as well as Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice.
He said these investments reflect increasing confidence in Nigeria’s economy and are expected to improve consumer services while enriching television content available to Nigerians.
The ambassador also commended the initiative led by Nigerian businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu to establish a House of African Worlds in Paris, describing it as another example of expanding cultural and economic exchanges.
On governance, Fonbaustier said France and Nigeria continue to share democratic values rooted in the rule of law, freedom of expression and equal opportunities for all citizens.
He disclosed that the French Embassy has continued to support programmes targeted at empowering women, young people and persons living with disabilities through economic and social inclusion initiatives.
Turning to agriculture, the ambassador said France, through the French Development Agency (AFD), is working closely with Nigeria on projects designed to improve food security and strengthen agricultural value chains.
He explained that the agency has particularly focused on northern Nigeria while also supporting wider ECOWAS regional food security programmes.
“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,” he said.
On security cooperation, Fonbaustier reiterated the commitment of both countries to combating terrorism across West Africa.
He observed that Nigeria and France have consistently demonstrated their determination to confront violent extremism through sustained collaboration.
“Our two countries have repeatedly demonstrated this, through their unfailing and resolute commitment to the global fight against terrorism,” he said.
He added that France continues to work alongside Nigeria and other regional partners to strengthen their capacity to respond effectively to terrorism and related security threats.
“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,” he added.
Fonbaustier noted that the security and stability of West Africa depend heavily on a strong Nigeria, just as Nigeria also benefits from a stable and united regional environment.
He described the bilateral relationship as part of a broader strategic partnership between Europe and Africa aimed at promoting peace, stability, development and adherence to international law.
The ambassador also revealed that President Macron’s personal connection with Nigeria dates back more than two decades, saying the French leader spent six months in the country as a student approximately 24 years ago.
According to him, that experience played a significant role in shaping Macron’s understanding of Africa and later influenced his diplomatic approach toward the continent.
“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,” the ambassador said.
