Nigeria and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation across security, energy, trade, and digital innovation, as top officials from both sides met under the theme: “Partnership for Sustainable Development and Security.”
Speaking at the 8th Nigeria- EU Ministerial Dialogue, in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, described the gathering as a pivotal moment for global peace, economic stability, and international collaboration.
He emphasised that the meeting goes beyond diplomatic formalities and reflects a shared determination to deliver concrete outcomes that improve citizens’ lives.
“The dialogue underscored the strong and evolving partnership between Nigeria and the EU, anchored on shared values of multilateralism, mutual respect, and strategic cooperation.
“Nigeria therefore welcomes EU’s continued support for our economic diversification agenda. We will continue working together to expand trade and investment beyond hydrocarbons, unlocking the potential of agriculture, manufacturing, and digital innovation to create jobs and prosperity for our people,” he said.
Ambassador Tuggar highlighted the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the European Union, noting that both partners are aligned on key global concerns, including opposition to authoritarianism and the need for stable, diversified energy markets.
The Minister pointed out that while Nigeria has historically been known as an oil exporter, it is increasingly positioning itself as a major gas hub with growing domestic refining capacity driven by private sector investment.
“Nigeria has been exporting crude oil since the 1950s, but really we’re a gas province with some oil in it. Already we’re seeing the resilience we now have for our domestic energy market that comes from private sector investment in refining capacity. We should explore similar paths for local processing of strategic minerals that drive the new technologies for the future,” he noted.
Expanded Cooperation
Tuggar called for expanded cooperation in energy and mineral processing, stressing the importance of local value addition to support global supply chains for critical resources used in emerging technologies.
Speaking on security, he welcomed the institutionalisation of the EU-Nigeria dialogue on peace, security, and defence, describing it as a vital framework for coordinated action.
“As security remains a top priority, Nigeria appreciates the EU’s partnership in combating terrorism, enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and promoting peace and stability across West Africa. Nigeria stands ready to deepen cooperation in these areas to safeguard our region’s future.
On climate action, Nigeria is committed to building resilience and advancing renewable energy solutions and improving its energy mix. We therefore call on our European partners to match ambition with resources, ensuring that climate financing and technology transfer reach those who need them most”, he said.
The Minister acknowledged EU support for regional stabilisation efforts, while calling for deeper collaboration in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
“As security remains a top priority, Nigeria appreciates the EU’s partnership in combating terrorism, enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and promoting peace and stability across West Africa. Nigeria stands ready to deepen cooperation in these areas to safeguard our region’s future,” he stressed.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also raised concerns about worsening instability in the Sahel region, linking it to humanitarian crises, irregular migration, and the rise of non-state armed groups.
He stressed that “lasting solutions must combine security interventions with governance reforms, economic opportunities, and inclusive diplomacy”.
The Minister further underscored the need for balanced and humane approaches, in addressing migration. noting that “migration has long been part of West Africa’s economic system”.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to engage constructively with the EU on migration management, including discussions around readmission agreements.
On her part, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Ms. Kaja Kallas, emphasised the strong potential of the EU-Nigeria partnership, particularly in security cooperation.
She revealed the EU investment of over €700 million in security collaboration.
“Nigeria is a key partner to the European Union, and strong potential is also to deepen our cooperation even further. Over the past decade we have mobilised more than 700 million euros to support counter-terrorism, stabilisation, rule of law and the multinational joint task force”, she said.
Ms. Kallas reiterated that the EU views Nigeria as a key strategic partner, not only in security but also in trade, investment, and the green and digital transitions.
She noted that the EU accounts for more than a quarter of Nigeria’s total trade, underscoring the depth of economic ties.
“But our cooperation is not only tactical, it’s also strategic. Earlier this year we launched the first EU-Nigeria peace, security, and defence dialogue, and this is how we turn our partnership into action, by defining the priorities and strengthening cooperation.
“Nigeria is also a major partner on trade, investment, and green and digital transitions. The EU is Nigeria’s main trading and investment partner, she explained.
Ms Kallas also addressed ongoing international concerns about Nigeria’s internal security situation, stating that the EU does not consider the violence in the country as systematic persecution or genocide against Christians, but rather a complex, multifaceted challenge.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described the EU as a key partner in Nigeria’s digital transformation drive.
“In the country at the minute, digital technology is being prioritised extremely by our president. We have found in the EU a very strong and committed partner and we are working together to deepen the digital ecosystem in Nigeria and create opportunities for trade between Nigeria and Europe,” he said.
Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation frameworks and explore new areas of partnership, particularly in addressing shared geopolitical challenges in West Africa.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to advance dialogue into actionable initiatives that promote security, prosperity, and sustainable development for both regions.
