The European Parliament has pledged to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in tackling security threats, managing migration, and promoting sustainable development, describing the country as a strategic partner in Africa.
Chairman of the Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, David MacAllister, made this known in Abuja at the end of a two-and-a-half-day visit by a European parliamentary delegation to Nigeria and the ECOWAS Commission.
He said the visit underscored the EU’s commitment to building a stronger partnership with Nigeria under what he described as the ‘Team Europe approach.’
‘Our visit to Nigeria illustrates the willingness of the European Union’s institutions – and, in this case, the European Parliament – to strengthen relations between Nigeria and the European Union,’ MacAllister said.
‘We reciprocally need each other as reliable and consistent partners, committed to multilateralism, international law, human rights, and a fairer and more sustainable world.’
MacAllister, who led a six-member delegation from five EU member states, said discussions with Nigerian officials focused on peacebuilding, migration management, and economic cooperation.
‘Our interest is to have a prosperous, stable, and democratic West Africa – and, in particular, a strong and stable Nigeria,’ he explained. ‘We need Nigeria to partner with us to defend our common values, manage migration flows, and promote peace and development. Nigeria matters to the European Union.’
He also disclosed that the EU is supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity through several peace and security initiatives, including programmes on disarmament, deradicalisation, reintegration, and peacebuilding.
MacAllister observed that terrorism in Nigeria is not driven solely by ideology, saying, ‘Many factors contribute to it, such as inequality, youth unemployment, communal conflicts, weak governance, and environmental stress. We expect that all groups and vulnerable communities will be adequately protected by the Nigerian authorities.’
On migration and humanitarian issues, the EU lawmaker expressed concern about the malnutrition crisis and migration pressures in parts of northern Nigeria, stressing that addressing humanitarian needs would help reduce irregular migration.
‘We are deeply concerned about the malnutrition crisis, especially in the North-East and North-West,’ he said. ‘Thousands of children’s lives are at stake. While the EU stands with Nigeria, greater commitment from federal and state governments is urgently needed.’
He noted that managing migration requires addressing its root causes by creating jobs and improving access to education and healthcare.
‘We must work together to tackle the factors driving people to migrate irregularly,’ he added. ‘Sustainable development remains the surest path to reducing migration pressure.’
On development and investment, MacAllister reaffirmed that the European Union remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner and leading source of foreign direct investment, accounting for about one-third of the country’s total FDI.
‘Through our Global Gateway investment strategy, we are opening new opportunities in the digital economy, renewable energy, agriculture, health, and transport,’ he said. ‘Together with our member states and financial institutions, we are investing billions of euros in grants and loans.’
Speaking on shared democratic values, he noted that the EU would continue to support Nigeria’s democratic institutions and human rights framework, describing them as the backbone of the partnership between both sides.
‘Nigeria may not be a perfect democracy, but it is a democracy,’ MacAllister stated. ‘We hold our Nigerian counterparts in high regard and commend their commitment to democratic governance.’
He reiterated that Europe and Africa share a common future. ‘The futures of Europe and Africa are closely linked. Your success will also be our success. Our message as we return to Brussels is clear – it is time for the European Union to engage more with and in Nigeria.’