Lagos, Nigeria — Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have strengthened their strategic partnership, announcing a range of new initiatives aimed at enhancing trade, security, climate action, and development investments. The agreement follows the Eighth Nigeria–EU Ministerial Dialogue, co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
The joint communiqué underscores the commitment to fostering cooperation that yields tangible benefits for citizens and contributes to a stable, prosperous, and sustainable global order. Both entities emphasized their support for multilateralism, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, while also advocating for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to better represent African countries.
On climate action, Nigeria and the EU vowed to implement the Paris Agreement and collaborate on renewable energy and the energy transition. The dialogue highlighted Nigeria’s potential in solar, wind, and clean hydrogen energy, with plans to increase investments in these sectors. The EU recognized Nigeria’s leadership in promoting democracy, peace, and stability in West Africa and agreed to deepen regional security cooperation, particularly in the Sahel region.
Trade and investment relations remained a key focus, with the EU continuing as Nigeria’s largest trading and investment partner. The EU welcomed progress on implementing the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and praised Nigeria’s legislative advancements on Geographical Indications.
The EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which supports sustainable infrastructure, digital transformation, and economic development, was a major highlight. In 2025, the EU allocated €73 million in grants for projects such as digital infrastructure and combating gender-based violence. The European Investment Bank mobilized €555 million in loans to support small and medium enterprises.
The dialogue also marked the launch of negotiations for a Nigeria — EU Science, Technology and Innovation Agreement and expanded educational cooperation through programs like Erasmus+ and the Intra-African Mobility Scheme. Both sides agreed to continue holding annual ministerial dialogues, with the ninth scheduled for Brussels in 2027.
Source: arise
