The European Union and Nigeria are strengthening their long-standing relationship with plans to deepen defence and security cooperation, as part of efforts to tackle the country’s growing security challenges.
This was revealed on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Ambassador Mignot congratulated General Oluyede on his recent appointment and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against insecurity. He described Nigeria as a key strategic partner, noting that 19 of the EU’s 27 member states currently operate diplomatic missions in the country.
According to him, the EU is already implementing several non-military projects across Nigeria focused on peacebuilding, conflict prevention and stability. He explained that the union’s support goes beyond defence assistance to include governance, political processes and institutional development, especially at a time he described as complex and demanding for the country.
Mignot also assured the defence chief of the EU’s readiness to expand cooperation with Nigeria in areas that would strengthen security and promote lasting peace.
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In his response, General Oluyede expressed appreciation for the EU’s consistent support, saying he was familiar with many of the union’s programmes and interventions in Nigeria. He welcomed the EU’s willingness to engage more directly with Nigeria on security issues, rather than concentrating mainly on the Multinational Joint Task Force.
The CDS called for the speedy implementation of the proposed engagements, stressing that Nigeria is currently facing diverse security threats across different regions. He added that timely and enhanced EU support would play a vital role in boosting the capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to respond effectively to these challenges.
