The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding strategic partnership with the European Union (EU), describing the bloc as the country’s largest trading partner and a key ally in peace, security, and regional integration.
Tuggar made the remarks while receiving a six-member delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja.
The visiting parliamentarians, representing five countries and three political groups, are on a working visit to deepen bilateral relations and review developments in West Africa. Insights from their engagements are expected to shape the EU’s position ahead of the forthcoming EU–African Union Summit in Angola later in November.
Highlighting the EU’s significance, Tuggar noted that trade between both partners reached €31.8 billion, underscoring Europe’s vital role in Nigeria’s economic growth.
“For us, the European Union is not a distant partner. We consider ourselves neighbours, separated only by the Mediterranean,” he said, stressing that the relationship extends beyond trade to encompass security cooperation and sustainable development.
The Minister also described Nigeria’s recent admission as the 77th shareholder in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) as a milestone in deepening global economic ties.
He reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to food security, job creation, and sustainable growth, noting that Nigeria’s leadership in West Africa carries a responsibility to promote integration and prosperity across the continent.
Responding, David MacAllister, Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, described Nigeria as a “strategic partner” of the EU, commending the country’s political influence, population strength, and leadership within ECOWAS.
“To sum it up in one sentence,” MacAllister said, “Nigeria matters. Nigeria matters for us in the European Union.”
