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The European Union and Nigeria are taking steps to further cement their existing relations through enhanced defence engagement, as part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
This was disclosed on Wednesday, when the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
While congratulating Oluyede on his recent appointment, Ambassador Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in overcoming its security challenges.
He stressed, “Nigeria’s strategic importance to the European Union, 19 out of the EU’s 27 member states currently maintain diplomatic missions in the country.
The Ambassador highlighted several ongoing EU-funded non-kinetic projects across Nigeria aimed at supporting peacebuilding, stability, and conflict prevention.
He added, “EU’s support for Nigeria goes beyond military assistance, extending to governance, political processes, and institutional development, particularly at a time he described as complex and demanding.”
Mignot further assured the CDS of the EU’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Nigeria, especially in areas that would strengthen security and promote sustainable peace.
In his response, Oluyede expressed gratitude for the EU’s continued support to Nigeria, noting that he was well acquainted with the various interventions and programmes implemented by the union.
He commended the EU’s intention to engage Nigeria directly on security matters, rather than limiting its military support primarily to the Multinational Joint Task Force.
The CDS called for the fast-tracking of the proposed engagements, stressing that Nigeria is currently grappling with multifaceted security challenges across different regions.
He noted that enhanced and timely EU support would be critical in helping the Armed Forces and other security agencies effectively address these challenges.
