FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron will embark on a state visit to Nigeria before the end of October, News Point Nigeria can report.
According to presidency sources, barring any changes, Macron’s trip is scheduled for October 28 and 29.
In November 2024, Macron hosted President Bola Tinubu on a three-day state visit, with both leaders holding discussions on finance, energy transition, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication, among other issues.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga had said the visit focused on “strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership”.
The upcoming reciprocal visit is expected to strengthen the agreements reached two years ago in France.
News Point Nigeria understands that officials from the French presidency have begun arriving in Nigeria to “hold discussions with their counterparts here to put finishing touches” ahead of Macron’s visit.
Macron, whose second and final term in office ends in May 2027, has maintained close ties with Tinubu since the latter became president.
Tinubu has visited France at least nine times since 2023, for various purposes, including official visits, working vacations, and private trips.
Marc Fonbaustier, French ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, first announced Macron’s imminent visit to Nigeria in July.
The envoy had said Macron’s trip would allow both countries to review their growing strategic partnership.
“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 envoy added that the “new relationship between Africa and France was, in some way, born in Nigeria or ‘Made in Nigeria’. Because as a young man, Emmanuel Macron spent six significant and formative months in this country while he was a student, 24 years ago”.
Macron last visited Nigeria as French president in July 2018. He met with the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and toured the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos.