French President Emmanuel Macron will embark on a state visit to Nigeria this fall.
Marc Fonbaustier, French ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, announced Macron’s proposed visit while delivering his address at the celebration of France’s National Day on Tuesday night in Abuja.
Fonbaustier did not state an exact month for Macron’s visit. But in the northern hemisphere where Nigeria and France are both located, fall officially begins in September and ends in December.
The envoy said Macron’s trip would allow both countries to review their growing strategic partnership since President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France in November 2024.
“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.
“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.”
Fonbaustier 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,” the envoy added.
The ambassador noted that Nigeria-France relations is built on equality and common interests including agriculture, security, democracy and governance.
“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,” he said of equality.
“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.”
On security, he said Nigeria and France shared a commitment to strategic autonomy and the global fight against terrorism.
“Our two countries have repeatedly demonstrated this, through their unfailing and resolute commitment to the global fight against terrorism,” he said.
He added that both countries were working together to support nations seeking to strengthen their capacity to combat terrorism.
“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 said.
The ambassador underlined that the region needs a strong Nigeria, with the West African nation also requiring a united and mobilised region to confront insecurity.
Macron last visited Nigeria as French president in July 2018. He met with then-President Muhammadu Buhari and toured the Afrika Shrine in Lagos.
In September 2025, Macron hosted President Bola Tinubu at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
