The European Union has unveiled a major expansion of its strategic partnership with Nigeria, announcing a €290 million investment package under its Global Gateway Strategy alongside a €50 million health manufacturing facility.
The announcement was made during the Eighth Nigeria–EU Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja, co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
European officials said the new investment operations signal a renewed commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation while advancing Nigeria’s development priorities.
Kallas noted that the EU is seeking to strengthen ties with Nigeria amid evolving global dynamics, aligning investments with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, said the initiative targets long-term economic growth through investments in digital infrastructure, healthcare and agriculture.
A significant portion of the funding—€131 million—has been allocated to the digital sector to expand connectivity, enhance digital services and build technical skills. The programme includes plans to deploy about 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable nationwide, in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, with the aim of improving internet access for millions of Nigerians.
In the health sector, the EU’s development arm, European Investment Bank Global, signed a €50 million financing agreement with the Bank of Industry to support local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostics and medical devices.
The agreement was formalised in the presence of key officials, including the Bank of Industry’s Managing Director, Olasupo Olusi, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
Olusi described the initiative as a critical step toward strengthening Nigeria’s domestic health manufacturing capacity and reducing reliance on imports.
The health initiative is financed under the Human Development Accelerator programme, supported by the European Commission and implemented in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Vice President of the European Investment Bank, Ambroise Fayolle, said the financing would improve access to affordable and high-quality medical products while strengthening supply chain resilience.
Beyond healthcare and digital infrastructure, €86 million has been earmarked for agricultural development, focusing on cocoa and dairy value chains. The funding will support smallholder farmers and agribusinesses through improved access to credit and climate-smart farming practices.
An additional €16 million will fund migration management programmes, including reintegration support for returning migrants and efforts to combat human trafficking.
Officials said the latest commitments bring total Team Europe investments in Nigeria since 2025 to €962.5 million, underscoring the bloc’s growing economic engagement with the country.
The European Investment Bank has invested more than €2.3 billion in Nigeria since 1978, supporting projects across infrastructure, renewable energy, innovation and small business financing.
European officials said the new package is expected to boost industrial capacity, create jobs and enhance regional trade opportunities across West Africa.
