In a meeting held on Thursday, President Bola Tinubu emphasized the need to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation between Nigeria and the European Union (EU), rooted in democratic principles, the rule of law, and freedom.
The President welcomed a delegation from the EU, led by Ms. Jutta Urpilainen, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships. This meeting follows the signing of eight financing agreements between Nigeria and the EU, under the “EU Global Gateway in Nigeria,” during a separate event held in Abuja.
President Tinubu, in his address, underlined the significance of democracy and the ongoing battle to preserve and promote democratic values. He stated, “Democracy is not an easy process, but we must fight for democracy and struggle for it to win at all times.”
Highlighting the importance of economic collaboration with the EU, the President emphasized areas of cooperation, including digital education, traditional and renewable energy, and broadband access. He also noted Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at uplifting millions of citizens from poverty. “We have a young and vibrant population, and we are determined to succeed. If we succeed, democracy succeeds. If we succeed, freedom succeeds. We need all of our partners’ hands on deck to sail together. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships,” President Tinubu remarked.
In her remarks, Ms. Jutta Urpilainen, the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, commended Nigeria for its pivotal role as a key EU partner in politics, economics, and shaping the social landscape across Africa. She detailed the EU’s commitment to transform its relationship with Africa, shifting away from the traditional donor-recipient dynamic and aiming for an equal and mutually beneficial partnership through the “Global Gateway” investment program.
Ms. Urpilainen pointed out that this strategy, established at the AU-EU Summit in Brussels, targets €300 billion in investments, with €150 billion allocated to Africa. She expressed her gratitude to President Tinubu for Nigeria’s important role in supplying key energy products during a recent standoff with Russia and emphasized the potential for expanding the oil and gas partnership. She also highlighted that the “Global Gateway” strategy is designed to expedite green and digital transformations in EU partner countries, with Nigeria standing as a crucial strategic partner.
Ms. Samuela Isopi, Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Rita Laranjinha, Managing Director of the Africa and European External Action Service (EEAS), Ms. Lora Borissova, Africa Advisor in the Cabinet of the EU, and Ms. Maria Pilar Palmero Vaquero, Head of Unit for Western Africa in the Directorate-General International Partnerships (DG INTPA), were among the members of the EU delegation present during the meeting.
The discussions between President Tinubu and the EU delegation signal a commitment to strengthening partnerships and enhancing cooperation in various sectors, ultimately benefiting both Nigeria and the European Union.
