French President Emmanuel Macron will pay a state visit to Nigeria later this year, French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, has announced.
The envoy disclosed this on Tuesday evening while addressing guests at the celebration of France’s National Day in Abuja, describing the visit as another milestone in the growing relationship between both countries.
According to Fonbaustier, Macron’s trip will take place two years after President Bola Tinubu travelled to France on a state visit.
“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,” he said.
The ambassador described Nigeria and France as partners that engage on equal terms, stressing that mutual respect remains the foundation of their diplomatic ties.
“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 said the principle of equality guides both countries’ cooperation and means neither nation imposes its views on the other.
“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 added.
Speaking on economic relations, the ambassador said both countries share a common objective of promoting economic growth, creating jobs and improving living standards while protecting the environment.
“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.
He pointed to recent business partnerships involving Carrefour and HyperCity, Accor and Shoreline, as well as Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice, describing them as signs of expanding commercial cooperation between Nigeria and France. He also praised the initiative by businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu to establish a House of African Worlds in Paris.
On governance, Fonbaustier said both countries remained committed to democratic values, the rule of law, freedom of expression and equal opportunities for all citizens. He added that the French Embassy continues to support programmes aimed at empowering women, young people and persons with disabilities.
The envoy also highlighted ongoing collaboration in agriculture through the French Development Agency (AFD), particularly projects designed to strengthen food security and improve agricultural value chains in northern Nigeria and across the ECOWAS region.
“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.
Addressing security challenges, Fonbaustier said Nigeria and France have continued to work together in the fight against terrorism and in supporting countries seeking to improve their security capabilities.
“Our two countries have repeatedly demonstrated this, through their unfailing and resolute commitment to the global fight against terrorism,” he said.
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 the ambassador, regional stability depends on a strong Nigeria working alongside neighbouring countries to tackle insecurity.
He also described the France-Nigeria relationship as part of a broader partnership between Europe and Africa aimed at promoting peace, stability, cooperation and respect for international law.
Fonbaustier further revealed that Macron’s long-standing interest in Africa was influenced by his time in Nigeria as a student more than two decades ago.
“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.