French President Emmanuel Macron is set to undertake a state visit to Nigeria later this year as both countries intensify efforts to strengthen cooperation in trade, security, agriculture, governance and other areas of mutual interest.

Naija News understands that the planned visit was announced on Tuesday night by the French Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Marc Fonbaustier, during the celebration of France’s National Day in Abuja.

According to the envoy, Macron’s trip will come two years after President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Paris and will provide both leaders with an opportunity to review progress made under the existing bilateral cooperation framework and outline new areas of collaboration.

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Describing the announcement as a “scoop,” Fonbaustier disclosed that President Macron would visit Nigeria in the autumn, although he did not specify the exact date.

“Secondly, a scoop. I am pleased and honoured to announce that, two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Paris, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, will travel to Nigeria for another state visit this fall,” the ambassador said.

“Together, our two Presidents will assess the progress of our roadmap and outline the key elements of our relationship for the years to come. These will undoubtedly be ambitious and mutually beneficial for our two peoples.”

The ambassador noted that the visit would further consolidate the growing partnership between both nations across critical sectors.

Fonbaustier stressed that relations between France and Nigeria are founded on mutual respect, equality and non-interference rather than domination or imposition.

Reflecting on the values of liberty, equality and fraternity associated with France’s National Day celebrations, he said equality remains the guiding principle of the relationship between both countries.

“I say this, and I say it with pride, that the partnership between Nigeria and France is, in reality, not just in words, a partnership between equals,” he stated.

According to him, both nations remain committed to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, including sovereign equality among states.

“In our bilateral relationship, this principle has concrete implications. It means avoiding prejudice, not imposing anything and not interfering. On the contrary, it means listening to each other, communicating openly and making decisions together,” he added.

The French envoy said Nigeria and France share common objectives centred on economic growth, job creation, improved living standards and environmental sustainability.

“We want the economic and social development of both our countries, for our citizens, for job creation and for improving the standards of living, with due respect for the environment, biodiversity, water and air,” Fonbaustier said.

He also pointed to growing commercial ties between French and Nigerian companies as evidence of expanding economic cooperation.

Beyond economic relations, the ambassador reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to democracy, the rule of law, freedom of expression and equal opportunities for all citizens.

Fonbaustier added that the French Embassy continues to support programmes aimed at empowering women, young people and persons living with disabilities while strengthening cooperation with Nigeria through government institutions, the private sector, civil society and cultural exchanges.