Macron to Visit Nigeria October 28–29 for Talks With Tinubu
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Nigeria on October 28 and 29, 2026, for a state visit aimed at strengthening relations between both countries, according to a report by TheCable citing presidential sources.
The visit, which remains subject to possible changes, is expected to provide an opportunity for Nigeria and France to review their strategic partnership and advance agreements reached during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France in November 2024.
During Tinubu’s three-day state visit, both leaders held discussions on finance, energy transition, solid minerals, trade, investment and communications. The Nigerian presidency said at the time that the engagement was intended to strengthen political, economic and cultural relations while creating new opportunities for cooperation.
Preparations for Macron’s expected visit are reportedly underway, with officials from the French presidency arriving in Nigeria to meet their Nigerian counterparts and finalise arrangements ahead of the trip.
French Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Marc Fonbaustier, first announced the planned visit in July. He said the trip would allow both presidents to assess progress on their bilateral roadmap and outline priorities for future cooperation.
Fonbaustier also described Nigeria as an important part of France’s evolving relationship with Africa. He said Macron had spent six significant months in Nigeria as a young student about 24 years ago, describing the experience as formative in the French president’s connection with the country.
Macron last visited Nigeria as French president in July 2018, when he met former President Muhammadu Buhari and visited the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos, a cultural venue associated with Afrobeat music.
The planned October visit would come as Tinubu and Macron continue efforts to deepen diplomatic and economic engagement. Macron’s second and final presidential term is scheduled to end in May 2027, making the proposed meeting one of the remaining opportunities for both leaders to advance their shared agenda during his presidency.