The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic ties with Nigeria, particularly in the areas of democracy, trade, investment, and security cooperation, as it marked the 2026 Europe Day celebration.
This year’s Europe Day is a celebration of the 76th year of European integration, commemorating the Schuman Declaration of May 9, 1950, where European integration was launched.
Speaking at the commemoration of the 76th Anniversary of the Schuman Declaration in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot described the relationship between Nigeria and the European Union as ‘strategic, productive and mutually beneficial, amid growing global uncertainties.’
According to Ambassador Mignot, this year’s celebration focuses strongly on the EU’s partnership with Nigeria and ECOWAS, stressing that both ‘sides have demonstrated a common commitment to deepen cooperation over the past year.’
“The past one year has witnessed significant progress in collaboration between Nigeria and the EU across several sectors including democracy, trade, security, youth empowerment and sustainable development. It’s been a very productive year.
“Today we celebrate the 76th year of European integration, but we are also celebrating our partnership with Nigeria because, in these troubled geopolitical times, it is important to have reliable and constant partners, and this is what Nigeria and the EU are for each other”, the Ambassador said.
The Envoy, noted that the EU sees itself as more than a donor to Nigeria, describing the bloc as a strategic political partner committed to long-term and sustainable development.
“The EU offer is special because it is based on long-term action, sustainability, prioritising women and youth, reinforcing the rule of law and democracy, and working with several Nigerian and international partners to implement projects that directly benefit citizens,” he said.
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Ambassador Mignot recalled the recent EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue held on March 23 during the visit of the EU High Representative and Vice-President, Kaja Kallas, noting that discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu focused on expanding bilateral cooperation.
He announced that the next major engagement would be the 10th EU-Nigeria Business Forum scheduled for June 25 in Lagos.
“One of the next steps that we will also showcase today is the EU-Nigeria Business Forum. We want to showcase the momentum and dynamic of this partnership in business and investment. We hope new investment decisions and business deals will emerge from the forum”, he noted.
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Trade Relations
On trade relations, Ambassador Mignot maintained that the European Union remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner when considered as a bloc.
He said; “If we are considered as a bloc, we are almost with 27 per cent, much ahead of any other trade partner of Nigeria, ” emphasising that the forthcoming EU-Nigeria Business Forum would focus on boosting investment opportunities, strengthening partnerships between European and Nigerian companies, and addressing barriers affecting trade and investment.
“What we want to showcase is the momentum and the dynamic of this partnership in business and investment. The forum would provide opportunities for new investment deals and stronger economic collaboration between both sides,” he said.
Addressing concerns over Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Ambassador reiterated the EU’s support for democratic governance through technical assistance and capacity building.
“Europe has been a constant supporter of democracy and elections in Nigeria. We support INEC, civil society, the National Assembly and political parties to reinforce democracy and improve trust in the electoral system”, Ambassador Mignot said.
However, he clarified that electoral reforms and implementation remain the sovereign responsibility of Nigerian authorities, saying“We are not here to substitute ourselves for Nigerian authorities. We are here to help as much as required by our partners,” he said.
Responding to questions on funding support for the elections, Ambassador Mignot explained that the EU’s assistance is largely technical rather than financial.
“Our support is not so much through money. It is rather through technical assistance, through capacity building, rather than through funding the election,” he said.
Speaking on security cooperation, Ambassador Mignot noted that the EU was supporting peace-building efforts and capacity enhancement beyond military responses.
“… We are trying to develop and enhance our support in a multifaceted way, not only through equipment, but also through peace-building efforts because security challenges cannot be solved by kinetic responses alone”, he noted.
Ambassador Mignot further praised the hospitality of Nigerians and expressed optimism about the future of EU-Nigeria relations.
“Together for prosperity and jobs, together for peace and security, together to protect our planet, together to bring our people closer — let’s scale up the EU-Nigeria partnership,” the Ambassador added.
The Europe Day celebration brought together diplomats, government officials, development partners, members of the diplomatic corps and private sector stakeholders to reflect on the growing partnership between Nigeria and the European Union.
