EU leaders commend Nigeria’s economic reforms, advocate deeper cooperation

The European Union has commended Nigeria’s economic reforms and reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development.

The statement followed a courtesy visit on Wednesday by a delegation of the European Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Mr. David McAllister, alongside the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Abuja, where Minister Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu received the team.

In his remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Mohammed Bello, welcomed the delegation, describing the visit as a reaffirmation of the long-standing friendship and shared values between Nigeria and the European Union.

Ambassador Mignot described the visit as “an important milestone in EU–Nigeria relations,” emphasizing the European Parliament’s role in shaping policy and supervising EU initiatives globally. He also reaffirmed the EU’s support for Nigeria’s development agenda and its leadership role in West Africa.

Leading the delegation, Mr. David McAllister praised Nigeria’s reforms and reiterated the European Parliament’s readiness to deepen ties. “We are here to underline one clear message: Nigeria matters,” he said, noting that the EU–Nigeria Trade and Investment Dialogue launched earlier this year promotes clean energy, manufacturing, and sustainable diversification.

Senator Bagudu thanked the delegation, stressing Nigeria’s commitment to achieving a one trillion-dollar GDP by 2030, with 86 percent of the required investment expected from the private sector. He highlighted the importance of partnerships like that with the EU under the Global Gateway framework in advancing economic growth.

The Minister also emphasized Nigeria’s ongoing initiatives in lawful migration, climate-smart investments, and inclusive economic diversification, describing the European Union as a critical partner in achieving these objectives.