EU to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria

The European Parliament has pledged to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in tackling security threats, managing migration, and promoting sustainable development, describing the country as a strategic partner in Africa. Chairman of the Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, David MacAllister, made this known in Abuja at the end of a two-and-a-half-day visit by a European parliamentary […]

The European Parliament has pledged to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in tackling security threats, managing migration, and promoting sustainable development, describing the country as a strategic partner in Africa.

Chairman of the Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, David MacAllister, made this known in Abuja at the end of a two-and-a-half-day visit by a European parliamentary delegation to Nigeria and the ECOWAS Commission.

He disclosed that the EU is supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity through several peace and security initiatives, including programmes on disarmament, deradicalisation, reintegration, and peacebuilding.

MacAllister observed that terrorism in Nigeria is not driven solely by ideology, saying, “Many factors contribute to it, such as inequality, youth unemployment, communal conflicts, weak governance, and environmental stress.

“We expect that all groups and vulnerable communities will be adequately protected by the Nigerian authorities.”

MacAllister, who led a six-member delegation from five EU member states, said discussions with Nigerian officials focused on peacebuilding, migration management, and economic cooperation.

“Our interest is to have a prosperous, stable, and democratic West Africa — and, in particular, a strong and stable Nigeria,” he explained. “We need Nigeria to partner with us to defend our common values, manage migration flows, and promote peace and development. Nigeria matters to the European Union.”

He said the visit underscored the EU’s commitment to building a stronger partnership with Nigeria under what he described as the “Team Europe approach.”

“Our visit to Nigeria illustrates the willingness of the European Union’s institutions — and, in this case, the European Parliament — to strengthen relations between Nigeria and the European Union,” MacAllister said.

“We reciprocally need each other as reliable and consistent partners, committed to multilateralism, international law, human rights, and a fairer and more sustainable world.”