French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Nigeria later this month for a two-day state visit, as Abuja and Paris seek to strengthen their strategic partnership.
Presidency sources told TheCable that Mr Macron is expected to arrive in Nigeria on 28 October and depart the following day, although the programme could still change.
The planned visit would be Mr Macron’s first trip to Nigeria since July 2018, when he met then-President Muhammadu Buhari and visited Lagos, including the New Afrika Shrine. (TheCable)
The visit comes nearly two years after President Bola Tinubu travelled to France for a three-day state visit in November 2024.
During that visit, the two leaders discussed areas including finance, energy transition, solid minerals, trade, investment and communications, with both governments seeking to expand economic and political cooperation. (The Times)
French officials have reportedly begun arriving in Nigeria to meet their Nigerian counterparts and finalise preparations for Mr Macron’s visit.
French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS Marc Fonbaustier had earlier announced that the French president would visit Nigeria, saying the trip would provide an opportunity for both countries to review their growing strategic partnership.
The expected visit also follows a private dinner between Mr Macron and President Tinubu at the Élysée Palace in Paris in September. The Nigerian presidency said the meeting reflected the enduring relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. (State House)
France and Nigeria have maintained cooperation in areas including security, trade, investment and development. France also supports Nigeria and regional partners in efforts to combat terrorism and improve security in the Gulf of Guinea and Lake Chad Basin. (diplomatie.gouv.fr)
If confirmed, Mr Macron’s October visit is expected to provide an opportunity for the two governments to review existing agreements and discuss new areas of cooperation.
