Nigeria has secured a major financial boost from the European Union after the bloc approved fresh funding worth €70 million to strengthen security, peacebuilding and agricultural development across the country.
The package is expected to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the European Union at a time when both sides are expanding their partnership in security, trade, innovation and economic development.
Under the new arrangement, EU support for Nigeria includes €45 million for security and peacebuilding programmes and another €25 million to improve agriculture, especially the dairy and cocoa industries.
The announcement followed a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, both parties reviewed progress made since the Second Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue held in March 2026.
Furthermore, they explored new opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, innovation, migration and regional security.
As part of the latest package, Ambassador Mignot disclosed that preparations are almost complete for a €20 million intervention under the European Peace Facility.
The programme will provide counter-drone equipment and counter-improvised explosive device technology to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Moreover, another €25 million peace and stabilisation programme is being prepared for the North-West region, where security challenges have remained a major concern.
In addition, other peacebuilding initiatives are expected to be rolled out to support stability and improve public safety in affected communities.
According to the EU Ambassador, preparations have reached an advanced stage for a €25 million flagship programme that will focus on strengthening Nigeria’s dairy and cocoa value chains.
The initiative is expected to improve production, encourage investment and create more opportunities for farmers across the country.
Meanwhile, discussions also covered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed official visit to Brussels, which is being considered for October 2026.
If the visit takes place, both sides believe it will further strengthen diplomatic ties and open the door for new areas of cooperation.
Furthermore, negotiations continued on a Readmission Agreement and a Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Agreement.
The proposed agreement is expected to improve research collaboration and create new opportunities for Nigerian universities and research institutions.
Responding during the meeting, Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the growing partnership between Nigeria and the European Union.
She also appreciated the EU’s continued support through programmes such as the Global Gateway Initiative and the European Peace Facility.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure and security.
Moreover, she acknowledged the EU’s understanding of Nigeria’s security situation, which continues to be affected by terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, competition over resources and organised crime.
She stressed that sustained international support remains important, especially for the North-West Stabilisation Programme.
Meanwhile, both parties expressed optimism that President Tinubu’s proposed visit to Brussels would mark another important step in strengthening bilateral relations.
Additional discussions focused on democratic governance, migration, ECOWAS affairs and the planned deployment of a European Union Electoral Expert Mission ahead of Nigeria’s future elections.
