Nigeria, EU Move to Strengthen Strategic Ties at High-Level Meeting

By Iyojo Ameh

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, on Tuesday held a high-level meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, in Abuja, as both sides moved to deepen Nigeria–EU relations.

The meeting, which took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across key sectors of mutual interest.

Speaking at the engagement, Ambassador Ahmed reaffirmed the enduring and mutually beneficial partnership between Nigeria and the European Union, describing the EU as one of Nigeria’s most critical development partners.

He outlined the wide-ranging areas of cooperation to include trade and investment, peace and security, governance, climate action, the digital economy, agriculture, education, health, humanitarian assistance, and people-to-people exchanges.

The Permanent Secretary expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of Nigeria–EU relations and underscored the commitment of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to diversifying the economy away from oil dependence.

He identified agriculture, digital innovation, climate-smart development, and technology-driven solutions as priority areas, while encouraging greater European investment and collaboration.

Ambassador Ahmed also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic role in promoting peace and stability in West Africa, welcoming continued EU support in counter-terrorism, the prevention of violent extremism, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and post-conflict recovery initiatives.

He stressed the need to tackle the root causes of insecurity, particularly poverty and youth unemployment.

On climate issues, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to climate action and sustainable development, calling for enhanced EU cooperation in climate adaptation, energy transition, access to climate finance, and the transfer of green technologies.

He further advocated a humane and cooperative migration framework, including legal mobility pathways, skills partnerships, and youth empowerment programmes.

In his response, EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot commended the alignment between Nigeria’s development priorities and the European Union’s strategic objectives, describing 2026 as a critical year for expanding the partnership through structured dialogue and high-level engagements.

He disclosed that preparations are underway for a proposed Nigeria–EU Ministerial Meeting in March 2026 in Abuja, aimed at deepening collaboration across priority sectors.

Ambassador Mignot also drew attention to the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, which seeks to use development assistance to attract private investment, noting significant EU-backed investments in infrastructure, digital connectivity, clean energy, water transport, agriculture, and youth-focused initiatives.

The EU envoy further emphasized the Union’s increasing support for Nigeria’s peace and security framework, economic growth agenda, and regional stabilization efforts.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, the rule of law, and the principles of the United Nations Charter, expressing confidence that Nigeria–EU relations will continue to grow stronger.

The meeting ended with mutual assurances of sustained dialogue, deeper cooperation, and tangible outcomes to further consolidate the strategic partnership.