French President Emmanuel Macron and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have agreed to postpone the French leader’s planned state visit to Nigeria until early 2027.

This is according to information on the state of the visit shared with Nairametrics.

The visit, which was initially proposed for October 29 to November 6, 2026, has now been deferred following a decision by both presidents.

The development marks a change in plans for the high-profile diplomatic engagement, which was expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and France.

Macron’s planned visit had earlier been announced by French diplomatic officials as part of efforts to deepen cooperation between both countries.

The visit was expected to provide an opportunity for discussions on trade, investment, economic cooperation and other areas of mutual interest.

However, the specific reasons for the postponement have not yet been disclosed, while new dates in early 2027 have yet to be confirmed.

France-Nigeria relationship

Nigeria and France have maintained longstanding diplomatic and commercial relations, with cooperation spanning trade, education, security, culture and development finance.

France was Nigeria’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, with bilateral trade exceeding $5 billion, according to French trade figures reported at the time of Tinubu’s 2024 visit.

The relationship has also acquired greater strategic importance as France seeks to strengthen partnerships with English-speaking African countries following diplomatic and security setbacks in parts of the Sahel.

Tinubu and Macron have pursued closer engagement since the Nigerian President assumed office in May 2023, including discussions during Tinubu’s attendance at the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris the following month.

The two countries have also cooperated on creative industries, technology investment and the recovery of Nigerian assets held abroad.

Tinubu, Macron commit over €300 million

During one of President Tinubu’s visits to France in 2024, he and Macron had committed to engaging in diverse financial and technical assistance programs worth over €300 million, aimed at supporting various investments in Nigeria.

The commitment was part of two agreements signed by the counterparts in Paris, aimed at fostering a partnership focused on the development of critical infrastructure and the long-term sustenance of agriculture and food security.