EU, Nigeria Deepen Strategic Partnership As Europe Day 2026 Highlights Cooperation
By Bukar BOLORI
The Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot has described relations between the EU and Nigeria over the past year as “very productive,” with growing cooperation in trade, democracy support, security, investment and governance reforms.
Speaking in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 Europe Day, the envoy said the occasion marked 76 years since the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for European integration.
According to the ambassador, this year’s celebration focused strongly on the EU’s partnership with Nigeria amid growing global geopolitical uncertainties.
“We are much more than a donor or development partner. We are a strategic political partner for Nigeria, and Nigeria is a strategic partner for us too,” the envoy said.
The ambassador noted that EU cooperation with Nigeria is built around long-term sustainability, support for women and youths, democracy, rule of law and institutional strengthening.
The envoy also recalled the recent EU-Nigeria ministerial dialogue held in March, during which the EU High Representative and Vice President, Kaja Kallas, met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to further strengthen bilateral ties.
As part of efforts to expand economic relations, the ambassador announced that the 10th EU-Nigeria Business Forum would hold in Lagos on June 25, aimed at boosting investment and private sector collaboration between both sides.
On trade relations, the envoy said the EU remained Nigeria’s largest trading partner when all 27 member states are considered collectively.
“We are almost at about 27 per cent, much ahead of any other trade partner of Nigeria,” the envoy stated.
Addressing questions on Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, the ambassador reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting democratic governance through technical assistance, institutional support and capacity building for stakeholders including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, civil society organisations, the National Assembly and the media.
The envoy, however, stressed that conducting credible elections remained the sovereign responsibility of Nigerian authorities.
“We are not here to substitute ourselves for the authorities. We are here to help as much as is required by our partners,” the ambassador said.
Responding to concerns about electoral violence and the implementation of recommendations from previous EU Election Observation Missions, the ambassador said the union would continue engaging Nigerian institutions through reforms and technical support rather than sanctions or external interference.
The envoy also spoke on insecurity in Nigeria, describing it as a serious and complex challenge requiring multifaceted solutions beyond military action alone.
According to the ambassador, the EU is supporting peacebuilding initiatives, capacity enhancement and security assistance not only in the North-East but also in the North-West and North-Central regions.
On investment and business relations, the ambassador acknowledged that both European and Nigerian companies face trade and export barriers but said ongoing EU-Nigeria trade and investment dialogues were working to address such obstacles.
The envoy expressed optimism that the forthcoming business forum in Lagos would lead to new investment deals and stronger commercial partnerships between European and Nigerian firms.
