French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Nigeria before year-end, marking a pivotal moment in the growing partnership between both nations.
French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, announced the planned visit during France’s National Day celebration in Abuja on Tuesday. While an exact date wasn’t specified, the visit will occur between September and December 2026.
The trip follows President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Paris in November 2024 and aims to review the strategic roadmap between both countries.
Key Highlights:
· Historic Return: Macron, who spent six formative months in Nigeria as a student 24 years ago, credits the experience with shaping his African diplomacy.
· Areas of Focus: Agriculture, security, democracy, and governance top the agenda.
· Security Collaboration: Both nations reaffirmed commitment to fighting terrorism across the region.
· ‘Made in Nigeria’ Diplomacy: Fonbaustier described the new Africa-France relationship as born in Nigeria, emphasizing equality and mutual respect.
“Together, our two presidents will assess the progress of our roadmap and outline the key elements of our relationship for the years to come.” Marc Fonbaustier
Macron previously visited Nigeria in July 2018, meeting with then-President Muhammadu Buhari and touring Lagos’ iconic Afrika Shrine.
