The Nigerian government has reiterated its deep commitment to strategic partnership with the European Union, as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) prepares to open its first West African office in Lagos. Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, said Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the EU’s longstanding support, highlighting the growing opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, and youth empowerment during a courtesy visit by Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

Nkwocha said Shettima described the EU as Nigeria’s “natural partners and allies,” adding that “beyond the geography that binds us, we have a cultural affinity that goes back centuries.” Shettima noted that Nigeria is entering a new phase of economic openness under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who took bold steps to dismantle key structural challenges. Nkwocha quoted Shettima as saying, “Some of the dysfunctions in the Nigerian economy – the opaque exchange rate regime and the fuel subsidy – President Tinubu had the courage to remove them. All the encumbrances toward investment in this country are gradually being eliminated.”

Shettima welcomed the EBRD’s expansion into Nigeria, saying the opening of its Lagos office is a symbolic and strategic development for both parties. Nkwocha said Shettima emphasized that “more than ever before, Nigeria is ready for business.” Shettima also commended the EU’s significant humanitarian and stabilization efforts in conflict-affected regions such as Borno State.

In another development, Nkwocha said Shettima applauded a proposal for partnership between Nigeria and the Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) of South Korea for solar equipment and electric vehicle manufacturing, as well as advanced Information Technology for security enhancement in Nigeria. Shettima stated that Nigeria is open to partnerships that would advance the industrialization agenda of the administration of President Tinubu and improve the lives of citizens.