Chidinma Iroegbu and Esther Oseyiomon
France has announced that President Emmanuel Macron will pay a State Visit to Nigeria later this year as both countries intensify cooperation in trade, security, culture and investment. French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, announced the celebration of France’s National Day (Bastille Day) at the French Embassy in Abuja.
Fonbaustier said the relationship between both countries was built on mutual respect, stressing that “the partnership between Nigeria and France is, in reality, a partnership between equals.”
He said both nations continue to work together to promote economic growth, create jobs and improve living standards while protecting the environment and supporting sustainable development.
The ambassador highlighted recent business partnerships involving Carrefour and HyperCity, Accor and Shoreline, and Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice, describing them as milestones in expanding economic cooperation.
He also praised Abdul Samad Rabiu for establishing a House of African Worlds in Paris, saying it would further strengthen cultural and economic ties.
Fonbaustier said France and Nigeria remained committed to promoting cultural exchange, noting that Nigeria’s hosting of the Création Africa Forum in Lagos reflected the country’s growing creative influence.
He added that both countries shared common values of democracy, the rule of law, freedom of expression and equal opportunities, with programmes supporting women, youths and persons with disabilities.
On regional security, the ambassador said Nigeria and France would continue working together to combat terrorism, improve food security and support ECOWAS in promoting peace and stability across West Africa.
He disclosed that Macron’s visit would come two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State Visit to Paris and would provide an opportunity for both leaders to review existing cooperation and outline future priorities.
Fonbaustier expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen bilateral relations and deliver lasting economic, political and cultural benefits for both Nigeria and France.
Present at the event, among other dignitaries, was the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, who joined the Government and people of France in celebrating the day.
During the event, the Governor congratulated the French Government. He reaffirmed Kano State’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with France in key sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy, education, water resources and sustainable development, for the benefit of the people of Kano State.
Some of the activities marking the event include the beautiful rendition of the Nigerian and French national anthems by vocalists from the AMEMUSO Choir.