French President, Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to embark on a state visit to Nigeria this fall, marking another milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations.

The announcement was made by Marc Fonbaustier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, during the celebration of France’s National Day in Abuja. The envoy described the upcoming diplomatic trip as a key opportunity for both nations to review their growing strategic partnership and map out future cooperative efforts.

The image captured above highlights the warm and active diplomatic engagement between French President Emmanuel Macron and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu during a previous encounter, symbolizing the mutual cordiality that sets the stage for the upcoming bilateral meetings.

According to the ambassador, this state visit will take place two years after President Tinubu’s official state visit to Paris. During the upcoming trip, both leaders are expected to evaluate the progress made on their established developmental roadmap and outline ambitious, mutually beneficial priorities for their countries.

Fonbaustier emphasized that the partnership between France and Nigeria is firmly anchored on equality, mutual respect, and non-interference.

Several active areas of cooperation will be under review, with a heavy emphasis on economic growth, security, and agricultural development. The envoy highlighted recent commercial milestones as evidence of deepening economic ties, pointing to partnerships between French brands and local companies, such as Carrefour’s engagement with HyperCity, Accor’s collaboration with Shoreline, and Canal+’s strategic acquisition of MultiChoice. On the security front, both countries maintain a shared commitment to fighting regional terrorism and assisting countries in strengthening their defensive capabilities.

Additionally, France, through the French Development Agency, continues to support agricultural projects aimed at boosting food security and improving market access in northern Nigeria and the wider ECOWAS region.

The upcoming visit holds a notable personal significance for the French leader. Ambassador Fonbaustier revealed that President Macron’s foundational perspective on African diplomacy was heavily shaped by a six-month stay in Nigeria as an intern and student 24 years ago.

The envoy remarked that this formative period of Macron’s youth continues to inspire the core tenets of his diplomatic engagement with the African continent today.