The Nigerian government has reiterated its deep commitment to strategic partnership with the European Union, as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) prepares to open its first West African office in Lagos.
Nigeria officially became the EBRD’s 77th shareholder in February 2025, following the bank’s limited and incremental expansion to sub-Saharan Africa approved by its Board of Governors in 2023.
Speaking on Tuesday while playing host to the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot at the State House, Abuja, Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, praised the EU’s longstanding support, highlighting the growing opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, and youth empowerment.
“You are our natural partners and allies. Beyond the geography that binds us, we have a cultural affinity that goes back centuries,” Shettima said.
The Vice President noted that Nigeria is entering a new phase of economic openness under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who he said took bold steps from day one to dismantle key structural challenges.
“Some of the dysfunctions in the Nigerian economy – the opaque exchange rate regime and the fuel subsidy – President Tinubu had the courage to remove them. All the encumbrances toward investment in this country are gradually being eliminated,” he said.
He said that the opening of its Lagos office was a symbolic and strategic development for both parties, as “it will send a message across the borders.
Earlier in his remarks, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Mignot, stated that given the turmoil and very difficult political climate globally, it is important to have a reliable relationship with Nigeria, noting that the European Union sees Nigeria as a key partner in the 21st century.
Mignot explained that all the EU ambassadors in Nigeria have met to reaffirm their partnership with Nigeria.
He stated that the EU is a strong supporter of the UN Charter, the Sustainable Development Goals, and global gender equality initiatives of the international community.
“The EU believes in free and fair trade, international partnerships as relations among equals, mutual benefits and respecting sovereignty. West Africa and Nigeria are priorities for us because we are neighbours and our destinies are closely linked.
“Therefore, we are determined to keep our commitment globally and here in the region and Nigeria in terms of partnerships, cooperation and humanitarian aid,” the EU envoy added.
GIK/APA