**Nigeria's Relationship with France Predates Tinubu's Administration – French Ambassador** In a recent interview, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, revealed that Nigeria's growing closeness with France did not start under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu. Instead, the ambassador attributed the renewed relationship to a shift in France's foreign policy that began decades ago. Fonbaustier explained that France's focus on Francophone countries in West Africa has been gradually changing since the 1990s, when it realized the need to expand its attention to other countries in the region, including those with English-speaking populations. This shift was under the leadership of French Presidents François Mitterrand and Jacques Chirac. The ambassador stated that Nigeria, being a significant player in West Africa, was one of the countries that benefited from this new approach. After Nigeria's return to civilian rule in 2000, France began to strengthen its ties with the country. One of the earliest high-level visits to France was made by Nigeria's first democratic president, Olusegun Obasanjo, which marked the beginning of a renewed engagement between the two nations. This revelation may come as a surprise to many Nigerians who assume that France's growing interest in Nigeria is a recent development, driven by President Tinubu's administration. However, Fonbaustier's comments provide a fresh perspective on the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and France. For those interested in Nigeria's foreign policy and international relations, it's worth noting that this renewed focus on Nigeria has been building over the years, long before the current administration. As Nigeria continues to navigate its place on the global stage, understanding the historical context of its relationships with other nations is crucial for informed decision-making.