The European Parliament has expressed strong support for Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and pledged to deepen cooperation with the country in areas of trade, investment, governance, and sustainable development.
This followed a courtesy visit by a delegation of the European Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Mr. David McAllister, to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, in Abuja.
The delegation was accompanied by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot.The visit, according to officials, reflected the growing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the European Union under the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Strategy, which focuses on building sustainable and inclusive economic ties with partner nations.
Welcoming the delegation, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry described the engagement as “a reaffirmation of long-standing friendship and shared values between Nigeria and the EU.
”Speaking on behalf of the EU, Ambassador Gautier Mignot said the visit signified the European Parliament’s strong interest in advancing cooperation with Nigeria, given its leadership role in West Africa and its potential as a regional hub for sustainable economic growth.
“This visit is an important milestone in EU–Nigeria relations,” Mignot stated. “The European Parliament plays a crucial role in shaping policy and supervising EU actions globally, and we remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s development agenda.”
Leader of the delegation, Mr. David McAllister, commended Nigeria’s leadership and reaffirmed the European Parliament’s readiness to strengthen bilateral ties.“We are here to underline one clear message, Nigeria matters,” McAllister declared.
“The European Union is one of Nigeria’s largest trade and investment partners, and our goal is to elevate this relationship to the next level.”He described the EU–Nigeria Trade and Investment Dialogue, launched earlier in the year, as a major step towards promoting clean energy, supporting local manufacturing, and advancing economic diversification.
“We look forward to taking back to Brussels a strong message that our partnership with Nigeria must grow deeper and broader,” McAllister added. “This is a relationship built not only on trade but on shared democratic values and mutual prosperity.”
Responding, Senator Bagudu thanked the delegation for the visit and acknowledged the EU’s consistent partnership with Nigeria, especially at a time when multilateral cooperation is facing global challenges.
“This visit comes at a time when multilateralism is being tested across the world,” Bagudu said. “It is reassuring that the European Union continues to stand as a beacon of partnership and shared democratic values.”
The Minister outlined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reforms focused on fiscal consolidation, private-sector-led growth, and sustainable development, noting that the administration is targeting a $1 trillion GDP by 2030.
“Our President has set a clear target for Nigeria to achieve a one trillion-dollar GDP by 2030,” he explained. “To realize this, about 86 percent of the required investment will come from the private sector. This is ambitious but achievable through partnerships such as ours with the European Union.”
Senator Bagudu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ratification of the Samoa Agreement, which provides the legal foundation for deeper engagement under the Global Gateway framework.
“Nigeria is committed to rule-based governance and democratic values. We believe in partnerships that empower both sides,” the Minister said. “We do not seek aid; we seek collaboration. Our goal is to create opportunities that benefit Nigerians and our partners alike.”
He further highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to promote lawful migration, climate-smart investment, and inclusive economic diversification, describing the EU as “a critical partner in these shared goals.”
