The European Union (EU) is set to commit the 300 million euros into fresh projects in the North-West and North-East geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, disclosed this at the 2025 Europe Day celebration in Abuja.
Mignot in his maiden EU day celebration in Nigeria after his posting said that the EU and Nigeria shared a common dream of a better, rule-based, more prosperous, sustainable, equal world, reflecting the realities and needs of the 21st century.
“Since my arrival last September, I see a concrete progress daily in our partnership, in particular, through the roll-out of our EU Global Gateway strategy to offer more opportunities to the people.
“Especially, the women and the youth, and through the 300m euros of new projects that we are launching this year in the NW and NE of the country.
“I also see our common willingness to enhance our relations, particularly in trade and investment for which we are proud to be your number one partner.
”In this fast-changing world, the EU is for Nigeria a stable and reliable partner and so is Nigeria for us,’’ he said.
He said the EU is building same partnership with ECOWAS and Africa as a whole.
The Envoy said EU Foreign Ministers will meet in Brussels to prepare for the EU-AU summit.
“The summit will be held later this year and to also celebrate our 25th years of partnership, which is second to none in all areas,’’ he added.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu while commending the EU for the additional support of 300m euros for new projects in the North West and North East geopolitical regions said the partnership and values that Nigeria and the EU had shared has helped in addressing restiveness due to some of the empowerment initiatives they created for Nigerian youths.
“Today is not just the affirmation of values that transcends border, peace, solidarity, mutual respect and partnership for sustainable development.
“These are values which the EU has championed and which Nigeria, the largest economy and democracy, both shares.
“Over 60 years, the relationship between EU and Nigeria has flourished in depth and breadth from trade, investment to governance reforms, public health, education, digital economy and climate action.
“The EU intervention in the Niger Delta and the North-East in supporting peace building initiatives and the restoration of livelihood and youth empowerment programmes has helped to reduce restiveness and in educational challenges,” he said.
The Minister of Budget and National Planning however, noted that in recent years, EU has been a strategic partner in Nigeria’s developmental priorities, including the National Development Plan 2021-2025 and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
