Nigeria and the European Union have restated their resolve to strengthen an expansive partnership covering economic development, security, climate action and social cooperation.
This position was reiterated during a meeting in Abuja between the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, and the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot. The engagement focused on consolidating existing ties and identifying opportunities to expand collaboration in priority areas.
Ambassador Ahmed acknowledged the European Union as one of Nigeria’s most important development partners and expressed satisfaction with the steady progress in bilateral relations. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to economic diversification, highlighting agriculture, the digital economy, innovation and climate-smart development as central pillars of national growth.
He further emphasised Nigeria’s role in advancing peace and security within West Africa, noting the country’s leadership in regional stability efforts. Ambassador Ahmed welcomed continued EU support in counter-terrorism initiatives, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and post-conflict reconstruction programmes.
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Addressing climate change and migration, he called for stronger European backing for climate adaptation measures, energy transition efforts, improved access to climate finance and the transfer of green technologies. He also advocated humane and collaborative migration frameworks that prioritise youth empowerment and skills development.
In his response, Ambassador Mignot noted the strong convergence between Nigeria’s development priorities and the European Union’s strategic objectives, describing 2026 as a crucial year for intensifying cooperation. He disclosed plans for a proposed Nigeria–EU Ministerial Meeting scheduled to take place in Abuja in March 2026.
The EU envoy also outlined the scope of the Union’s Global Gateway Strategy, which seeks to mobilise investments in infrastructure, digital connectivity, clean energy, agriculture and youth-centred initiatives across partner countries.
Both parties concluded the meeting by reaffirming their shared commitment to multilateralism, respect for the rule of law and sustained diplomatic engagement, expressing optimism about the continued deepening of Nigeria–EU relations.
