Nigeria–France Partnership Predates Tinubu Administration, Says French Ambassador
Abuja, Nigeria — The Marc Fonbaustier, Ambassador of France to Nigeria, has said the growing diplomatic engagement between the two countries did not begin under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking in an interview, the envoy explained that France’s effort to strengthen ties with Nigeria and other English-speaking African countries dates back several decades and should not be interpreted as a recent policy shift.
According to him, France began rebalancing its engagement in Africa as far back as the 1990s, when French leaders concluded that the country needed stronger diplomatic and economic relations beyond its traditional Francophone partners.
Long History of Bilateral Engagement
The ambassador noted that relations between Nigeria and France deepened significantly after Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.
He pointed out that former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo paid a state visit to France in 2000, marking an early step in strengthening diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.
Subsequent administrations also maintained active engagement with Paris. Former president Muhammadu Buhari later visited France, while French leaders equally paid official visits to Nigeria as part of ongoing diplomatic exchanges.
The ambassador said these engagements demonstrate that the partnership between both countries has developed gradually over many years.
Nigeria’s Strategic Role in Africa
Mr Fonbaustier described Nigeria as a key strategic partner for France in Africa because of its economic size, population and political influence across the continent.
He said France views Nigeria as a pivotal country in West Africa and considers cooperation with Abuja essential for advancing broader continental partnerships.
The envoy added that France’s Africa policy is not limited to former French colonies but is aimed at building relationships across the continent, including with major Anglophone countries.
Growing Diplomatic Engagement
Nigeria and France have continued to expand cooperation in areas such as security, economic investment, culture and regional stability.
President Tinubu has visited France during his tenure, while senior French officials have also travelled to Nigeria as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations.
The ambassador emphasised that these engagements should be seen as part of a long-standing diplomatic trajectory rather than a new development tied solely to the current administration.