The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with Nigeria, announcing funding commitments totaling €112 million for migration management, security and counterterrorism initiatives.
The commitment was highlighted during a visit to Abuja by the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Mr. Magnus Brunner, who met with key Nigerian government officials on Tuesday.
Brunner held separate discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro.
According to a statement by the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, the EU recently allocated €66 million to fund migration-related projects, following the signing of the EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement.
The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation on migration management, building on existing collaboration between Nigeria and EU agencies, including Europol, Eurojust and Frontex.
The statement also disclosed that the EU had committed €26 million to security initiatives, including efforts to curb the proliferation of small arms and drug trafficking.
Additionally, the bloc has adopted its first bilateral assistance measure to Nigeria under the European Peace Facility, committing €20 million to support the country’s counterterrorism operations.
The EU described Nigeria as a strategic partner in West Africa and the wider region, noting that bilateral relations had gained momentum following the eighth EU-Nigeria Ministerial Meeting held in Abuja in March, with the participation of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
It also highlighted ongoing investments by the EU and its member states under the Global Gateway initiative, which supports sustainable development projects across various sectors in Nigeria.
Brunner said the partnership was translating dialogue into practical results through improved security and migration management, adding that both sides were working to maximise the mutual benefits of their relationship.
He said Nigeria remained a key partner for Europe, expressing optimism about expanding cooperation beyond migration and security to other areas of shared interest.
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