The European Union (EU) and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on migration management, security and regional stability, with the EU committing a combined €112 million to support related initiatives in the country.
The commitment was highlighted during a visit to Abuja on Tuesday by the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Mr Magnus Brunner, who held high-level discussions with key Nigerian government officials.
Brunner met 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, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro.
The EU disclosed that €66 million had recently been allocated to fund new migration-related projects, while another €26 million would support security interventions, including efforts to tackle the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and combat drug trafficking.
It also announced the adoption of its first bilateral assistance measure to Nigeria under the European Peace Facility, committing €20 million to strengthen the country’s counterterrorism efforts.
The latest commitments underscore growing cooperation between Nigeria and European institutions on migration management, particularly following the signing of the EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement.
According to the EU, the partnership has recorded significant progress in recent years through collaboration between Nigerian authorities and European agencies, including Europol, Eurojust and Frontex.
Speaking during the visit, Brunner described Nigeria as a strategic partner for Europe, noting that relations between both sides were becoming stronger through practical cooperation on shared priorities.
“Nigeria is a key partner for Europe, and our ties are steadily growing stronger. Together we are turning dialogue into action: more security, better migration management, joining forces to bring results.
“We are turning the huge potential of our partnership into mutual benefit,” he said.
The EU explained that the visit also provided an opportunity to review the broader relationship, strengthen cooperation on common priorities and explore additional areas of engagement beyond migration and security.
It noted that Nigeria and the EU shared a commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order, adding that their partnership had continued to expand in scope and strategic importance.
The relationship received further impetus following the eighth EU-Nigeria Ministerial Meeting held in Abuja in March, attended by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
The EU also highlighted the contribution of Team Europe, comprising the European Union and its member states, to the implementation of its Global Gateway investment strategy in Nigeria through projects covering several sectors.
It said Nigeria’s strategic position in West Africa and its regional influence made the country an important partner in promoting economic cooperation, security, effective migration management and trade.
The latest financial commitments are expected to strengthen institutional capacity, improve migration governance, address transnational security threats and support Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism.
The commissioner’s visit is expected to further consolidate EU-Nigeria relations and provide a framework for deeper engagement on migration, internal security and regional stability.
