Nigeria Pledges Stronger Human Rights, Peace, and Investment Ties with Europe in First Step Forum Meeting

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to human rights, peaceful coexistence, and international partnership during a high-level engagement with the First Step Forum (FSF) delegation in Abuja.

The delegation, led by Executive Director Marc Jost, visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria on Tuesday, 24 March 2026. Permanent Secretary Dunoma Umar Ahmed represented Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveying his apologies due to prior commitments.

During the dialogue, the FSF highlighted its mission to promote religious freedom, human rights, and regional peace, while expressing interest in Nigeria’s governance, foreign policy, and investment landscape.

Delegation members also called for strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and Europe in security, human rights, and economic development.

In response, Permanent Secretary Ahmed emphasized Nigeria’s peaceful, multi-religious identity, adherence to constitutional law, and ongoing efforts to tackle security and development challenges.

He underscored the country’s foreign policy guided by the “4-Ds” doctrine Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora and Nigeria’s leadership role within ECOWAS and African Union in promoting regional stability.

Ahmed also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to attracting foreign direct investment, enhancing bilateral trade, and leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He proposed establishing a formal framework for cooperation between the First Step Forum and the Nigerian National Assembly, including potential Memoranda of Understanding for joint programs and exchanges.

Marc Jost expressed appreciation for the engagement and confirmed FSF’s intention to expand collaboration with Nigeria through future visits and broader initiatives.

The meeting highlights Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships while advancing human rights, governance, and economic growth.