Nigeria – EU Set to Deepen Strategic Ties, Cooperation in 2026

By Zainab Bakare

The Federal government and the European Union have moved to deepen their strategic partnership.

Both sides hits that they plans for expanded cooperation and higher-level engagement in 2026.

The renewed push underscores a shared commitment to strengthening political, economic and security ties.

According to a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the move followed a high-level meeting on Tuesday in Abuja between the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot.

During the talks, Ambassador Ahmed described the European Union as one of Nigeria’s most critical development partners.

He reaffirmed collaboration across trade and investment, peace and security, governance, climate action, agriculture, the digital economy, health and education, while restating the Tinubu administration’s commitment to diversifying the economy away from oil.

Federal Government also called for deeper security cooperation, highlighting its leadership role in West Africa.

Ambassador Ahmed urged sustained EU support in counter-terrorism, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, prevention of violent extremism and post-conflict recovery, noting that poverty and youth unemployment remain key drivers of insecurity.

On climate change and migration, the Permanent Secretary sought stronger EU backing for climate adaptation, energy transition, access to climate finance and green technology transfer.

EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot said 2026 would be pivotal for scaling up cooperation, announcing plans for a Nigeria–EU Ministerial Meeting in March, as both sides reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism and closer strategic ties.