Nigeria, EU Move to Deepen Ties in Security, Trade, Climate Action

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation with the European Union across key sectors including security, trade, education, and technology.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known during the 4th Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu Memorial Lecture, where the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, delivered a keynote address titled “Sustainable and Climate Resilience Future: Beyond Rhetorics.”

In a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, the minister said the evolving Nigeria–EU partnership continues to yield tangible benefits in areas such as governance, capacity building, and economic cooperation.

She noted that the memorial lecture comes at a critical time when the world is increasingly interconnected but faced with complex challenges including insecurity, economic uncertainty, climate change, and shifting geopolitical realities.

According to her, diplomacy remains central to navigating these challenges, adding that the presence of the EU Ambassador underscored the strength and growth of bilateral relations.

“This partnership continues to deliver concrete benefits in trade, education, governance, and security cooperation,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing peace and development, particularly within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States and across Africa, stressing that the country’s foreign policy is anchored on mutual respect, non-interference, and protection of national interests.

Reflecting on the legacy of her late husband, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, she linked the lecture’s theme to his long-standing environmental values, noting his early appreciation for nature and climate balance.

“He understood long before many others that trees were the silent guardians of our air, our soil and our future,” she said.

She also urged universities to strengthen their role as policy think tanks, generating research that can guide government decisions in foreign relations, economic diplomacy, and national development.

The minister called on graduating students to uphold integrity and resilience, stressing that their character would define their contributions to society.

In his remarks, EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot described the minister as a strong advocate of Nigeria–EU relations and emphasised the urgency of climate action, warning that while it may be costly, inaction carries far greater consequences.

The lecture formed part of the Founders’ Day celebration of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, which was renamed in 2014 in honour of the late Igbo leader.

The institution continues to promote climate resilience and sustainable development, reflecting the ideals of its namesake.