EU Pledges €700m Security Support as Nigeria Strengthens Strategic Partnership at Abuja Dialogue

The European Union and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties following the 8th Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja on Monday.

EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, on her first official visit to Nigeria, underscored the country’s strategic importance as Africa’s most populous nation, a major economic hub, and a political force, stressing that its stability is critical to the wider region.

“Nigeria is a key partner to the European Union, and there is strong potential to deepen our cooperation even further,” Kallas said during a joint press briefing with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.

She noted that EU-Nigeria relations have steadily expanded in recent years and expressed optimism about sustaining that momentum.

Security Cooperation

Both parties highlighted growing security concerns, particularly the rise in jihadist activities linked to groups such as Boko Haram, which continue to threaten regional stability.

Kallas reaffirmed Europe’s support for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, stating, “Nigeria is a bulwark in the fight against terrorism, and Europe stands shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria.”

Over the past decade, the EU has committed more than €700 million to support counterterrorism, rule of law, stabilisation initiatives, and the Multinational Joint Task Force.

The recent launch of the EU-Nigeria Peace, Security and Defence Dialogue further strengthens this collaboration.

Trade, Investment and Development

The EU remains Nigeria’s largest trading and investment partner, accounting for over a quarter of the country’s trade volume. More than 200 European companies currently operate in Nigeria, employing about 130,000 people.

Through its Global Gateway initiative, the EU is advancing new projects in Nigeria across digital innovation, agriculture, and healthcare, with €66 million in grants and €221 million in concessional loans.

An EU-Nigeria Business Forum scheduled for June in Lagos is expected to further boost investment flows and partnerships.

Technology and Migration

Discussions are ongoing for a Science, Technology and Innovation agreement under the Horizon Europe, described as mutually beneficial for both parties.

On migration, progress has been recorded on the EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement, aimed at ensuring safe and dignified return of Nigerian migrants without legal stay in Europe.

Kallas commended Tuggar’s role in advancing the negotiations, noting that the agreement demonstrates that trust can deliver results, even on sensitive issues.

Regional Stability and Future Outlook

The dialogue also addressed regional challenges across West Africa, including unconstitutional changes of government, Sahel-based insurgencies, and humanitarian crises.

The EU reaffirmed its support for ECOWAS as a key framework for maintaining regional stability and democratic order.

On critical minerals, Kallas disclosed that while no formal agreement has been signed, discussions are ongoing to explore areas of cooperation.

She also welcomed signs of de-escalation in attacks on energy infrastructure, noting their destabilising impact on the region.

Reiterating Europe’s position, Kallas said, “The EU is a reliable and predictable partner for Nigeria. We believe in this partnership, and today’s dialogue marks the beginning of an ambitious new phase in EU-Nigeria relations.”