Nigeria and the European Union reaffirm their expanded strategic partnership and announce new support packages.
Written by: Ayman Ragab
Nigeria and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership by expanding political dialogue, enhancing economic and security cooperation, and supporting sustainable development efforts.
This came during a meeting between the Nigerian Foreign Minister, Ambassador Bianca Odumejo-Ojukwu, and the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Gauthier Migno, on Thursday in the capital, Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kemebe Ebenefa, the meeting focused on reviewing the course of relations between Nigeria and the European Union, assessing the progress made since the second ministerial dialogue between the two sides held in March 2026, as well as exchanging views on the most prominent bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest.
Odomego-Ojoko praised the level of relations between the two sides, expressing her appreciation for the continued support provided by the European Union through the “Global Gateway” initiative, the European Peace Facility, and other development cooperation programs.
Nigeria also affirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, innovation, migration, peace and security.
The Minister expressed her appreciation for the support provided by the European Union to the security system in Nigeria, particularly its support for the Multinational Joint Task Force and peacebuilding initiatives at the regional level.
She also welcomed the proposed stabilization program in northwest Nigeria, stressing the need to strengthen international support to address the growing security challenges in the region.
She noted that the European Union is one of Nigeria’s most prominent partners in trade and development, stressing that Muniu’s visit will contribute to strengthening economic cooperation, attracting more investments, and supporting joint strategic initiatives.
For his part, Minneau reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to facilitating the proposed official visit of President Paula Tinopou to Brussels, within the framework of ongoing consultations with the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to determine a mutually convenient date during October 2026.
He explained that the upcoming visit will contribute to strengthening the strategic partnership between Nigeria and the European Union, and opening new horizons for cooperation.
He revealed that the European Union is close to finalizing approval of a €20 million support package within the European Peace Facility, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities by providing equipment to counter drones and improvised explosive devices.
He added that an additional €25 million peace and stability program for the Northwest region of Nigeria is being prepared, along with other initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability across the country.
He also explained that the ongoing negotiations on the readmission agreement between Nigeria and the European Union, and the agreement on cooperation in the fields of science, technology and innovation, will contribute to deepening research cooperation and expanding opportunities for Nigerian institutions to benefit from the Horizon Europe research program.
Regarding economic cooperation, Minneau confirmed that preparations are at an advanced stage for the launch of a new pioneering agricultural program worth 25 million euros, which focuses on developing value chains in the dairy and cocoa sectors.
